After defeating arch-rivals Letran, the San Beda Red Lions took a 10-day break heading into their match-up against the JRU Heavy Bombers. However, the long break did more harm than good, as four Red Lions had bum stomachs.
Still, the defending champions were able to do just enough against the Heavy Bombers to take a 54-58 win, Friday afternoon at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
San Beda ace Robert Bolick, Calvin Oftana, JB Bahio, and Ben Adamos had all been vomiting days prior to the game, with the latter two already confined in the hospital, while Oftana and Bolick tried to gut it out.
“Robert should not be playing today because he’s sick, severe diarrhea and vomiting,” remarked San Beda head coach Boyet Fernandez, as Bolick was still able to finish with six points, six rebounds, and five assists in 22 minutes of action. “Actually there are four players who are sick right now. [They all have] severe diarrhea and vomiting.”
Still, San Beda were able to limit JRU to just four second quarter points to gain a 28-14 halftime lead.
With their ace down, Clint Doliguez had to step up, finishing the game with 22 points on 8-for-10 shooting to go along with eight rebounds. Javee Mocon added seven points and 15 rebounds as well.
Behind Jed Mendoza, who scored eight of his 12 points in the final frame, JRU were able to cut the once 15-point lead down to three late in the final frame. However, a booming triple by Doliguez with 1:40 left stopped the Heavy Bombers on its tracks.
“Free throws, we were murdered in the rebounding but still we won the ball game. That’s probably because of our defense in the second quarter which we limited to only four points to JRU,” said Fernandez as San Beda shot a horrid 9-for-23 from the foul stripe while being out-rebounded 52-44. “Again, we have learn from this.”
The win is San Beda’s fourth straight, all coming after their loss gainst the Lyceum Pirates last July 14. JRU, on the other hand, lost their third game in five.
Aaron Bordon paced JRU in the opening frame scoring eight of his team-high 13 points during that span. Teytey Teodoro was limited to just two points.
The Red Lions will have a week-long break before facing the Mapua Cardinals on Friday, August 11, at 12:00nn. JRU, on the other hand, look to bounce back when they face the EAC Generals on Tuesday, August 15, at 2:00pm.
The Scores:
SBC 54 – Doliguez 22, Mocon 7, Tankoua 7, Bolick 6, Presbitero 5, Soberano 2, Noah 2, Abuda 2, Potts 1, Carino 0, Tongco 0.
JRU 48 – Bordon 13, Mendoza 12, Grospe 10, Teodoro 5, Abdul Razak 2, Lasquety 2, Poutouochi 2, David 2, Dela Virgen 0, Castor 0.
Quarterscores: 10-10, 28-14, 39-32, 54-48.
