Red Lions drown Pirates, grab F4 top seeding
SAN Beda University foiled Lyceum of the Philippines University’s late clinch the top seed in Season 94 National
The Red Lions roared to a strong start then fended off the pesky Pirates in the endgame to secure the No. 1 spot heading into the Final Four with a 16-1 record.
“We’re happy we got this one. We take the monkey off our back now. Everybody is saying that we can’t beat LPU,” said San Beda head coach Boyet Fernandez, whose squad notched its first eliminations win against Lyceum in two seasons.
- nals match-up versus No. 4 University Perpetual Help System DALTA.
Rookie guard James Canlas sizzled with a career-high 18 points to go with six rebounds while
and two assists for the Lions.
Cameroonian center Donald Tankoua drilled in a double-double of 15 points and 14 rebounds even
- ished with the same feat, tallying 13 markers and 10 boards in the win.
San Beda seized control of the game after racing to a 20-8 run for a commanding 59-39 advantage in the third quarter.
But Lyceum staged a massive rally
within 66-71 on Mike Nzeusseu’s teardrop with 1:05 remaining.
Tankoua though hit the dagger
then went on a slick s ide-step layup for a 73-66 lead, virtually sealing the victory with 43.2 seconds left.
Cameroonian big man Nzeusseu led Lyceum with 16 points and six rebounds while Jaycee Marcelino had 14 markers and nine boards. Reigning MVP CJ Perez was held to nine points after averaging 19.2 points. San Beda University’s Donal Tankoua (10) and Lyceum of the Philippines’ MJ Ayaay (25) battle for the loose ball during the NCAA Season 94 men’s basketball tournament at the
The Pirates, who were norming 87.6 points prior to this loss, ended up at No. 2 with a 15-3 slate and are set to face No. 3 Colegio de San Juan de Letran in the Final Four.
Earlier in the juniors division,
San Beda High School banked on a balanced offense to subdue Lyceum High School, 83-76.
Red Cubs improved to 12-5.
Jade Talampas pumped in a double-double of 14 points and 13 rebounds, Art Oliva and Troy Valencia also chalked 14 markers while Winston Ynot added 11 points in the win.
John Barba paced Lyceum with 17 points and nine rebounds even as Mac Guadana and Jearelan Omandac had 13 markers each.
The Junior Pirates ended their season with an even 9-9 slate.