Even without San Beda ace Robert Bolick, sixth man Clint Doliguez, and head coach Boyet Fernandez, defending NCAA champions Red Lions were able to upstage their first round outing against Mapua University, blasting the Cardinals 88-70, Friday afternoon at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
This is San Beda’s ninth straight win while handing Mapua’s ninth straight loss. Moreover, the 18-point romping was better than the 66-55 result of their first round encounter.
“We made it a rallying point for the guys who aren’t here. We dedicated the game to them,” said San Beda team manager Jude Roque, as their two student-athletes and head coach were suspended for one game after a brief skirmish with the Saint Benilde Blazers last Tuesday.
Leading the San Beda charge was third-year sniper AC Soberano. The Tarlac native torched the Cardinals with 17 points on 6-for-9 shooting from the field, 3-for-5 from distance.
San Beda’s leading MVP candidate Javee Mocon added 11 points and 10 rebounds, while Donald Tankoua chipped in nine points and eight rebounds. In addition, every Red Lion fielded in scored at least one field goal.
“I’m happy with the way we played despite the absence of Robert and Clint who are two of our best players,” added Roque, as their ball movement led to 30 free throw attempts while they committed just nine turnovers. “What was noticeable was everybody stepped up, mas maganda ang ball movement namin and I’m happy that they didn’t look for a go to guy today. Everybody was able to score kasi maganda ang ball movement.”
Surprisingly, Mapua were able to keep pace with San Beda during the first three quarters of the contest. But the Red Lions went into overdrive in the final frame, forcing Mapua into errors that led to easy baskets. From a nine-point lead, San Beda were able to increase their edge to a game-high 20 points, 88-68, with 59.6 ticks remaining after a basket by Davon Potts.
Leo Gabo led Mapua in the scoring department with 17 points, while Denniel Aguirre added 16 markers.
San Beda will next face the San Sebastian Golden Stags on Friday, Septmber 15, at 4:00pm. Mapua, on the other hand, take on the Arellano Chiefs on Tuesday, September 12.
The Scores:
SBC 88 – Soberano 17, Mocon 11, Tankoua 9, Noah 9, Cabanag 8, Potts 8, Oftana 6, Tongco 5, Adamos 5, Abuda 4, Presbitero 2, Carino 2, Bahio 2
MU 70 – Gabo 17, Aguirre 16, Nieles 13, Pelayo 9, Bunag 8, Raflores 4, Victoria 3, Orquina 0
Quarterscores: 18-17, 40-32, 58-49, 88-70
