Red Lions soundly beat Generals 92-69

THE San Beda College Red Lions posted a 92-69 victory over the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals on Saturday in the 88th National Collegiate Athletic Association seniors’ basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan City.

Jake Pascual led the Red Lions’ onslaught from start to finish to the triumph that earned them a playoff slot for the fourth semifinals berth.

“Coach Ronnie Magsanoc told us to just tighten our defense and keep our focus and we exactly followed his instruction,” said Pascual, the most veteran player in the team with four years of experience under his belt.

San Beda, which is aiming for a third straight crown is now poised for another Finals appearance with a 12-2 slate, a full game ahead of second front running and last year’s runner-up San Sebastian Stags (11-3).

The Stags were playing against equally dangerous Letran Knights at press time.

“We really made it a point to consider that every game is very important if we have to keep on winning. We should be in good spirit always and play our best to be back in the championship once again,” said the 24- yearold Pascual.

Just like when the Red Lions clobbered the Generals, 81- 65, on July 19, Pascual got the needed support from 6’ 8 Nigerian center Olaide Adeogun and Rome de la Rosa to establish an early 32- 20 advantage in the first period.

A quick run initiated by Arthur de la Cruz, Pascual and Adeogun further increased the Red Lions’ lead to a huge 44- 25, with six minutes remaining in the third quarter.

The Generals tried to reduce the gap but to no avail.

Pascual topscored for the Red Lions with 17 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks while de la Cruz added 15, and Adeogun 10.