San Beda may have found it’s new go-to-guy.
After an impressive NCAA debut, Davon Potts took charge once again in scoring the clutch baskets to give San Beda its second win of the season, 91-86, against the upset-minded Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates Tuesday afternoon at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
Davon Potts led the Red Lions with 19 points, 12 coming in the final frame. King Lion Dan Sara filled-up the statsheets with 14 markers, five boards, five dimes, and two steals. Javee Mocon added a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds.
“I just want to contribute to my team and win it. That’s always been mine mindset,” 23 year old Potts said. “As long as we come out with a W, that’s all that matters.”
The Red Lion was able to gain a game-high 12 point lead early in the game but the Pirates were able to chip in to the lead behind the combined efforts of Wilson Baltazar and Harry Nzeusseu. Free throws by Baltazar to close-out the third frame tied the game at 64-all.
However, Lyceum struggled on the offensive end in the opening moments of the fourth quarter while on the end, San Beda was able to go on an 8-0 rally capped by a basket by Potts to gain a 72-64 lead with 7:40 remaining in the game.
Careless turnovers by the Bedans though led to a Lyceum spurt capped by a 7-0 rally sparked by an Edcor Marata three and capped by a pull-up jumper by Baltazar to give Lyceum its first lead of the game 83-81 with two minutes left.
After a timeout by Jamike Jarin, Potts converted on a running floater to tie the game but was answered 16 seconds later by a double-pump layup by Baltazar.
The Filipino-American, feeling it, was able to knockdown a corner triple to give the advantage back to the Red Lions. A missed three by Shaq Alanes then led to a fadeaway jumper by the former NCAA Divion II player. Mocon was then able to find Donald Tankoua for a midrange jumper with 24 ticks remaining to give San Beda a 90-85 edge.
“I need to be consistent and produce more. It’s a long season pa naman,” Mocon shared.
In a defensive substitution, Jarin brought in a line-up consisting of Calvin Oftana, William Navarro, Joe Presbitero, Tankoua, and Mocon. The move proved to be effective as the Pirates were only able to put-up an attempt with just eight seconds remaining in the game.
“Well, we need this kind of games. This team is very young and Lyceum is coming off a loss,” San Beda head coach Jamike Jarin said. “They were making shots even if we were defending well. Hats-off to them.”
Wilson Baltazar led the gallant Pirates stand with 24 points on 9-for-23 shooting. Big man Nzeusseu added a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds.
The San Beda Red Lions (2-0) will have a long break before facing the EAC Generals on Tuesday, July 12 at 2:00pm. The Lyceum Pirates play earlier during that game day in facing the Mapua Cardinals at 12:00nn.
The Scores:
SBC (91) – Potts 19, Sara 14, Noah 12, Mocon 11, Tankoua 10, Bolick 8, Presbitero 7, Tongco 6, Navarro 2, Soberano 2, Adamos 0, Chester 0, Optana 0.
LPU (86) – Baltazar 24, Nzeusseu 18, Ayaay 12, Marata 11, Alanes 9, Allban 4, Serafico 4, Bulawan 2, Soliman 2, Malbanan 0, Magbuhos 0.
Quarterscores: 20-16, 42-40, 64-64, 91-86.
