Unbeaten Red Lions, Cards post 4th wins

Games Monday 9 a.m. – San Sebastian vs Letran (Jrs) 10:45 a.m. – San Beda vs St. Benilde (Jrs) 12:30 p.m. – Perpetual Help vs EAC (Jrs) 2:15 p.m. – Arellano U vs Mapua (Jrs)

San Beda picked up its fourth straight win in emphatic fashion, beating a hapless St. Benilde side, 90-63, to remain tied for the lead with Mapua in the 92nd NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan yesterday.

Fil-Am Davon Potts continued to dish out top form, shooting a game-high 19 points while Donald Tankoua finished with a doubledouble of 17 points and 14 rebounds with three shot blocks as the Lions broke away in the second quarter en route to the 27-point rout.

The Cardinals, meanwhile, bucked the absence of reigning MVP Allwell Oraeme, as it subdued Emilio Aguinaldo College, 70-67, in the other game to likewise rack up their fourth straight victory.

Almel Orquina shot 13 points while Andrew Estrella and skipper CH Isit added 12 markers apiece for the Cardinals. EAC slid to 1-3.

Oraeme, who averaged 21 points and league-best 21 rebounds and 3.7 blocks in their first three games, sprained his ankle during practice but is expected to suit up in their game against Arellano U on Tuesday.

Skipper Dan Sara sat out for the second straight game due to injury but Robert Bolick, Ranbill Tongco and Jayve Mocon stepped up in his absence.

“What is good about this team is that when one of the players is down, others step up,” said San Beda coach Jamike Jarin.

Bolick, a 20-year-old transferee from La Salle, chipped in 11 points, three assists and two boards while orchestrating the team’s play.

“I don’t care if I score, I just want to make my teammates and the team look good, that’s all what matters to me,” said Bolick.

He also lauded Tankoua for his solid inside play.

“For me, he’s the league’s best import. He quietly gets the job done and makes it easier for the rest of us,” said Bolick of their import.