San Beda trips Letran, remains unscathed

Games Today (Cuneta Astrodome, Pasay City) 10 a.m. – Mapus vs EAC (Jrs)

12 n.n. – Arellano vs CSB (Jrs)

2 p.m. – Mapus vs EAC (Srs)

4 p.m. – Arellano vs CSB (Srs)

San Beda University (SBU) survived a late charge by Letran College as the Red Lions scored a 70-66 win to stay perfect in the 95th NCAA men’s basketball tournament yesterday at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

SBU guard Evan Nelle led a balanced attack by the Red Lions as he collected 18 points, seven rebounds and three assists despite committing eight of the team’s 23 turnovers in nearly 34 minutes of play.

Donald Tankoua contributed 15 points, while Calvin Oftana and James Canlas-Kwekuteye added 11 points apiece on a combined 8-of-21 shooting from the field – 1-of-8 from three-point territory.

The win gave the Red Lions a 5-0 card to break free from a tie for the lead with another unbeaten squad, College of St. Benilde Blazers, now at solo second spot with a 4-0 slate.

“Frankly speaking, we were worried about this game because we’re playing a very strong team in Letran,” said SBU coach Boyet Fernandez.

“While us, we were not able to play in two weeks (due to cancellation of games because of bad weather).”

“But my players did a good job and I salute them for that. We played really good defense, which is our mantra for this season,” added Fernandez.

SBU was ahead 69-58 with three minutes to play when Letran used an 8-2 run capped by three-point shot from Jerrick Balanza that trimmed the lead to 70-66 with 15 seconds left.

The setback was Letran’s first in more than a month.

SAN BEDA 70 – Nelle 18, Tankoua 15, Canlas 11, Oftana 11, Alfaro 6, Doliguez 6, Soberano 3, Abuda 0, Bahio 0, Carino 0, Cuntapay 0, Etrata 0

LETRAN 66 – Balanza 20, Ular 11, Yu 9, Olivario 7, Muyang 6, Ambohot 4, Caralipio 4, Balagasay 4, Batiller 1, Mina 0, Reyson 0, Sangalang 0, Javillonar 0

Quarters: 21-17; 39-32; 62-51; 70-66.