In the lead-up to their titanic showdown against the De La Salle University, the San Beda College Red Lions were able to adjust to the University of the East Red Warriors’ pressing defense after the opening frame, eventually cruising to a 68-55 win, Friday evening.
The defending NCAA champions will sport a 2-0 record before they take on their UAAP counterparts on Sunday, May 28, at 5:00pm. UE, on the other hand, dropped to 2-4 in Group A of the 2017 Filoil Flying V Premier Cup.
“Sana magka-change of mindset yung mga players because we’re playing against La Salle next,” San Beda head coach Boyet Fernandez. Unlike their dominant win against the Lyceum Pirates last Wednesday, the Red Lions started off at the wrong foot against the Red Warriors.
“Medyo bad start kami,” Fernandez admitted. “Credit kay coach Derrick [Pumaren] nag-prepare sila.”
Once San Beda were able to adjust, they locked down UE to just seven second quarter points. Moreover, UE’s problem was compounded as ace scorer Alvin Pasaol was assessed with his third foul by the second frame.
Arnaud Noah scored 16 points on 5-for-8 shooting from the field and a perfect 6-of-6 shooting from the foul stripe, to go along with eight rebounds. Incoming senior Javee Mocon finished with a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Behind Jeremy Cruz, the Red Warriors were able to cut the lead to just four points, 40-36, with 4:55 left. However, San Beda answered right back with a 10-2 run before going on cruise control in the final frame as they led by as much as 16 points, 68-52.
Alvin Pasaol finishe the game with a game-high 19 points on 7-for-15 shooting.
San Beda shot a superior 47 percent from the field compared to just 36 percent for UE. Moreover, the Red Lions went 18-for-21 from the foul stripe.
UE will play their penultimate game in the tournament when they face La Salle on Sunday, June 4, at 3:15pm.
The Scores:
SBC (68) – Noah 16, Mocon 10, Bolick 8, Potts 5, Toba 5, Oftana 5, Bahio 4, Tongco 3, Soberano 3, Presbitero 2, Cabanag 2, Carino 2, Abuda 2, Adamos 1, Doliguez 0, Carlos 0, Giussani 0, Abude 0.
UE (55) – Pasaol 19, Magbuhos 9, Maloles 4, Cruz 4, Derige 4, Green G 3, Toribio 3, Manalang 2, Varilla 2, Acuno 2, Gagate 2, Conner 1, Cullar 0, Abanto 0, Armenion 0, Olayon 0, Green J 0, Magbuhos 0.
Quarterscores: 12-21, 38-28, 50-38, 68-55.
