The San Beda College Red Lions prove that the NCAA is still their yard
Behind a huge end-game spurt, San Beda completely erased the historic regular season of Lyceum of the Philippines University, sweeping the Pirates with a 92-82 victory to clinch the NCAA Season 93 Seniors Basketball championship, Thursday evening.
This is San Beda’s 10th seniors basketball crown in the last 12 years, and their 21st overall in the Grand Old League.
Donald Tankoua was named as the Finals’ Most Valuable Player, posting norms of 22.0 points and 18.5 rebounds. The Cameroonian student-athlete was San Beda’s anchor in the title-clinching contest, finishing with 17 points and 17 rebounds.
“Coming from an ACL injury, this is really special for me,” said Tankoua.
But it was Robert Bolick who once again stepped up in the biggest of moments for the Red Lions.
Down 76-75 with 3:44 left in the game, Bolick found a wide-open AC Soberano to give San Beda the lead for good. A basket by Donald Tankoua later on was answered right back by a three-point play by Jeffrey Santos to give life to the Pirates.
“They really wanted to win this game pero sobrang excited sila. We settled down in the second half. Credit to my boys,” said Fernandez, who won his third crown with San Beda.
But San Beda were not to be denied. A split on the stripe by Javee Mocon and a strong drive by Bolick gave the Red Lions an 83-79 lead with 1:59 left. Mike Nzeusseu converted on a three-point play, but Soberano knocked down another triple followed by a booming three by Bolick that proved to be the dagger.
“Lyceum did a good job. Kung puwede lang magbigay ng dalawang championship, kami ng Lyceum ang champion,” Bolick shared.
The former DLSU Green Archer finished the game with 18 points on 6-for-10 shooting to go along with five rebounds and six assists.
Davon Potts proved to be pivotal in the whole series, ending his NCAA career with 15 points, spiked by three triples.
“It’s a good feeling. I’m happy to be part of this group. To the San Beda community, thank you!,” said the Filipino-American forward who is set to report to the Alaska Aces.
Javee Mocon and Soberano finished with 14 and 11 points respectively.
Lyceum, who finished the elimination round with an immaculate 18-0 slate, were denied their first-ever championship.
CJ Perez finished with 22 points, four rebounds, five assists, and three steals before fouling out with 36 seconds left in the contest. Nzeusseu added 15 points, 15 rebounds, and two blocks.
Wilson Baltazar ended his NCAA career as well.
The Scores:
SBC 92 – Bolick 18, Tankoua 17, Potts 15, Mocon 14, Soberano 11, Abuda 5, Bahio 5, Presbitero 3, Doliguez 2, Noah 2, Tongco 0, Adamos 0
LPU 82 – Perez 22, Nzeusseu 15, Marcelino JC 12, Ayaay 7, Caduyac 6, Santos 6, Tansingco 5, Marcelino JV 4, Pretta 2, Serrano 2, Ibanez 1, Baltazar 0
Quarterscores: 17-22, 41-47, 65-66, 92-82.
