San Beda leaders Robert Bolick and Javee Mocon did not allow an upset to happen.
The two stalwarts joined hands Thursday afternoon, conniving in a huge fourth quarter spurt by the Red Lions and lead the defending champions to a 82-75 victory over the San Sebastian College-Recoletos Golden Stags.
With the win, San Beda clinched a playoff spot with a 13-1 record. Moreover, the Red Lions’ streak to seven games.
And Bolick and Mocon made sure to lead San Beda to another playoff berth.
“Those two guys really did a good job of being leaders of this team,” said Red Lions head coach Boyet Fernandez.
Behind a strong effort by Allyn Bulanadi, San Sebastian was able to pick up a solitary point lead, 65-64, early in the final stanza.
Seeing this, Bolick scored five straight points to restore order. Though San Sebastian tried for a late rally, Bolick was able to find a wide-open Mocon in back-to-back possessions for two back-breaking triples.
“As I’ve said, San Sebastian is a tough opponent, we always play close games,” said Fernandez.
Mocon had 20 points and 11 rebounds while Bolick finished with 18 markers.
Donald Tankoua also had a double-double 16 points and 14 rebounds while also having a comedic moment late in the game after botching a dunk/layup.
Allyn Bulanadi had a game-high 23 points but was limited to just four points in the final frame. And it was all because of AC Soberano’s defense.
“AC Soberano, come to think of it, is not one of the best defensive players on our team but he stayed there with Bulanadi,” remarked Fernandez.
RK Ilagan chipped in 20 markers while Michael Calisaan was limited to just seven points and nine rebounds.
San Sebastian’s three-game winning streak was snapped to drop to 4-10 — four games behind fourth-running Perpetual Altas.
“I really salute San Sebastian for playing well. Bulanadi can shoot anywhere, Ilagan can shoot, and Calisaan is a force. We really focused on those three guys,” disclosed Fernandez.
San Beda looks to extend its streak to eight on Thursday, October 1 against the CSB Blazers. San Sebastian, on the other hand, looks to keep its playoff lives alive as it takes on the Perpetual Altas on the same day.
The Scores:
SBU 82 — Mocon 20, Bolick 18, Tankoua 16, Canlas 10, Soberano 9, Nelle 4, Abuda 2, Cabanag 2, Eugene 1, Presbitero 0, Doliguez 0, Oftana 0, Cuntapay 0, Tongco 0.
SSC-R 75 — Bulanadi 23, Ilagan 20, Capobres 12, Calisaan 7, Calma 7, Dela Cruz 3, Sumoda 3, Villapando 0, Isidro 0, Are 0, Valdez 0.
Quarterscores: 25-21, 47-37, 63-60, 82-75.
