Lions finish strong, foil Stags
Games Tuesday (Flying V Centre, San Juan) 12 noon – Mapua vs Letran 2 p.m. – UPHSD vs AU 4 p.m. – San Sebastian vs St. Benilde
San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez promised a three-day rest if they could beat San Sebastian. The Lions responded with a victory.
Relying on a big fourth quarter surge, San Beda turned back an upset-conscious San Sebastian, 73-59, yesterday to reclaim the solo lead in the 95th NCAA basketball tournament at the Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
Trailing almost all throughout the match and at 48-50 early in the final period, the Lions dropped a 12-0 barrage and then used suffocating defense to snare their fourth straight victory and the solo lead, half-game ahead of the College of St. Benilde Blazers (3-0).
And San Beda could relax and enjoy the much-needed respite after working hard the past few months.
“They really want to get this game because I promised I would give them three days off if we win,” said Fernandez.
Evan Nelle roared the loudest among the proud Lions as he unleashed 14 points including two booming triples in that decisive stretch and spiked his game with a career-high 10 rebounds and four assists.
Nelle got all the needed help, with Donald Tankoua and James Canlas pitching in 14 points apiece and Calvin Oftana flirting with a triple-double performance as he came through with 10 points, 10 caroms and a season-high seven steals.
Lyceum of the Philippines U, meanwhile, ended Jose Rizal U’s giant-slaying ways, hammering out a 95-77 rout to jump to a share of third spot with Letran at 4-1. The scores: First Game San Beda 73 -- Nelle 14, Tankoua 14, Canlas 14, Oftana 10, Doliguez 8, Noah 6, Soberano 3, Bahio 2, Abuda 1, Cuntapay 1, Etrata 0, Visser 0, Obenza 0, Carino 0.
San Sebastian 59 -- Bulanadi 15, Capobres 13, Dela Cruz 12, Calma 6, Altamirano 4, Ilagan 3, Sumoda 2, Villapando 2, Desoyo 2, Tero 0, Cosari 0, Calahat 0.
Quarterscores: 16-19; 32-35; 48-45; 73-59 Second Game LPU 95 -- Nzeusseu 13, Tansingco 13, Ibanez 11, Valdez 11, Caduyac 8, Jv. Marcelino 7, David 7, Pretty 6, Navarro 6, Laurente 6, Yong 4, Santos 2, Guinto 1.
Jose Rizal 77 -- Amores 23, Miranda 13, Delos Santos 9, Dionisio 6, Aguilar 6, Vasquez 6, Steinl 4, Jungco 4, Dela Rosa 3, Abaoag 2, Arenal 1. Quarterscores: 31-19; 51-27; 75-49; 95-77 Third Game AU 86 – Salado 24, Concepcion 14, Bayla 11, Sablan 10, Espiritu 8, Arana 5, Oliva 5, Alcoriza 3, Santos 2, Gayosa 2, Talampas 2, Segura 0, Sunga 0, De Guzman 0.
EAC 77 – Maguliano 26, De Guzman 12, Mendoza 9, Taywan 8, Gonzales 8, Gurtiza 6, Luciano 6, Corilla 2, Martin 0, Tampoc 0, Dayrit 0, Cadua 0, Boffa 0.
Quarterscores: 29-15; 47-36; 59-50; 86-77