The San Beda College (SBC) Red Lions, for the second game in a row, displayed suffocating defense in a blowout win over the Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Generals, 108-80, Thursday afternoon at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan City.
The Generals opened the game in high hopes with a three-point connection by spitfire guard Francis Munsayac. However, their defense was quickly exposed by the defending champions in blasting the Generals with a huge 14-2 run behind Art Dela Cruz, Dan Sara and Pierre Tankou. The pressing San Beda defense also forced their opponents to turnovers that led to easy baskets. The Ermita-based squad was able to cut into the lead behind stretch big man Mbang Adoumbaba. Adoumbaba scored six of the next nine points of the Generals to cut the lead to five 19-14 with 2:51 remaining in the first. The quarter though ended with an 8-2 San Beda rally with SBC up 25-16.
The game broke open in the second quarter as the Mendiola-based squad exploded behind their suffocating defense and excellent ball movement. The Red Lions connected on five three pointers in the quarter, with AC Soberano hitting back-to-back shots from downtown. Moreover, Dela Cruz feasted on the lax interior defense of the Generals as he scored eight points in the quarter. Also in the quarter, Baser Amer made his Season 91 debut at the six minute mark of the game. Amer was able to knock down a three pointer immediately. The Generals were only able to score the majority of their points through put backs. To make matters worse for the Generals, starting center Laminou Hamadou was assessed with his fourth personal foul in the quarter. SBC held a huge 58-37 lead before halftime.
Things got chippy in the third quarter as both teams were in the penalty zone midway through the third. Both teams were overanxious on defense as EAC became impatient to cut down the lead while SBC were frustrated that they were being outrebounded on the offensive glass. Both teams combined for 22 free throw attempts in the quarter. The San Beda lead grew further in the third canto behind the offensive creativity of Dela Cruz. The second unit of San Beda also got into the act as well in the offensive explosion to give San Beda an imposing 88-57 lead.
A late General rally behind Francis Munsayac’s back-to-back three pointers and the shooting of Christ Mejos were the only bright spot for the Generals. Unfortunately for Emilio Aguinaldo, their back-up big Mbang Adoumabba also fouled out in the quarter while leading scorer Munsayac was assessed a disqualifying foul after an elbow to Soberano’s nose. The game ended with the score of 108-80.
After the game, coach Jamike Jarin was disappointed that the team allowed a 17-4 rally to open the quarter. “What if that happened in the opening quarter? Patay na kami. We can never be complacent at any point in the game,” Jarin said. Nonetheless, he was happy with the overall defensive intensity the team played. “I’m happy we scored 100 plus points and the defense was better. We only allowed 80 points,” he said laughingly.
Art De La Cruz had another monster outing with 22 points, four assists, two steals, and 13 rebounds. Five other Red Lions scored in double digits with Soberano scoring 12 (3/6 from downtown), the returning Adeogun with 12, Dan Sara with 11, and Tongco and Cabanag scoring 10 points apiece. Munsayac, before being ejected, scored 20 points to lead EAC. Mbang had a double-double as well with 17 points and 15 rebounds.
San Beda shot an excellent 53% from the field and connected on nine three pointers compared to Emilio Aguinaldo’s 37%. Moreover, SBC attempted 29 free throws in the game, connecting on 21, compared to the 8/16 for EAC. EAC also committed 26 turnovers.
The Red Lions next face the San Sebastian Stags on Thursday, July 9 at 4:00pm while the Generals face the Pirates at 2:00pm on the same day.
The Scores:
SBC (108) – Dela Cruz 22, Adeogun 12, Soberano 12, Sara 11, Cabanag 10, Tongco 10, Solera 9, Tankoua 9 ,Reyes 6, Amer 3, Koga 2, Sedillo 2, Bonsubre 0, Presbitero 0
EAC (80) – Munsayac 20, Mbang 17, Mejos 16, Bonleon 6, Mallari 5, Hamadou 4, Diego 4, Pascua 3, Pascual 3, Morada 2, General 0, Estacio 0, Serrano 0
Quarters: 25-16, 58-37, 88-57, 108-80
