Defending two-time NCAA Seniors Basketball Champions San Beda University Red Lions are starting to show their playoff form, taking a dominant wire-to-wire win over the spiraling College of Saint Benilde Blazers, 77-55, Thursday afternoon at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
This extends San Beda’s winning streak to eight games. Moreover, they have clinched at least a playoff for the post-season incentive with a 14-1 slate.
“We had doubts entering this game because Benilde has their backs against the wall,” said decorated head coach Boyet Fernandez. “They need this to keep close to the Final Four. But we need this win as well to solidify our spot in the top two. I think we have secured a playoff berth for the twice-to-beat.”
Robert Bolick was his usual self in the contest, finishing with 19 points on 6-for-9 shooting to go along with four assists and three steals. Fellow San Beda Big Three members Javee Mocon and Donald Tankoua had 13 points each with the former grabbing eight rebounds while the latter finishing with 10 boards.
“I think we are peaking at the right time,” said Bolick, the reigning Collegiate Press Corps Player of the Year.
San Beda blitzed to a 13-2 start and never looked back. The Red Lions would lead by as much as 24 points in the game.
Benilde could only cut the lead to as low as 15 points in the final frame as Clement Leutcheu tried to will the upstarts’ back.
San Beda shots an excellent 47 percent from the field while limiting Benilde to just 28 percent shooting.
With the loss, Saint Benilde dropped its fourth game in five games to fall to 8-7 — two games behind the Perpetual Altas for top four.
Clement Leutcheu was the sole bright spot for Benilde with 12 points, 13 rebounds, and three blocks.
San Beda will have a week-long break before facing the Arellano Chiefs on Thursday, October 11 at 4:00pm. Benilde, on the other hand, looks to upset the Lyceum Pirates on the same day at 2:00pm.
The Scores:
SBU 77 – Bolick 19, Mocon 13, Tankoua 13, Oftana 10, Soberano 8, Cabanag 7, Carino 4, Doliguez 3, Abuda 0, Presbitero 0, Tongco 0, Eugene 0, Cuntapay 0
CSB 55 – Leutcheu 12, Gutang 9, Nayve 9, Dixon 8, Haruna 4, Naboa 4, Carlos 4, Young 3, Belgica 2, Pasturan 0
Quarterscores: 24-13, 37-22, 58-36, 77-55
