In a preview of their Final Four showdown, defending champions San Beda University Red Lions shackled the University of the Perpetual Help System DALTA Altas late, taking an 80-72 win, Tuesday afternoon at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
And it was a perfect victory for the Red Lions, who were celebrating Seniors’ Day.
“It’s Seniors’ Day for us today. That’s why we started all our graduating players today. I credit them for starting very well,” said Red Lions head coach Boyet Fernandez, as he had fielded a starting five of Radge Tongco, Joe Presbitero, Robert Bolick, Jeramer Cabanag, and Javee Mocon.
Cabanag did not disappoint his coach, scoring his season-high 16 points, while Bolick added 12 markers.
“We tried to play everyone today because its the end of the elims. Credit to everyone who sacrificed. Hopefully, this makes us ready for the semis,” added Fernandez.
But in the end, the Red Lions relied on Tankoua and Bolick.
With Kim Aurin tying the game at 74-all with 5:54 left, Tankoua and the Red Lions did not allow the Altas to score a single field goal. Bolick and Tankoua took turns blasting the Altas defense en route to their 11th straight win.
Tankoua had 23 points and 10 rebounds, while limiting MVP candidate Prince Eze to just 12 points and 12 rebounds.
“Hindi naman sa nagmamayabang but I’m surprised how we played in the second round. After our loss to Lyceum, the players’ mindset changed. Sabi nila, ‘Coach, bumawi naman tayo’. They showed it in the second half,” shared Fernandez.
Aurin paced Perpetual with 18 points, five rebounds, and five assists, while Edgar Charcos added 17 markers, five rebounds, and five dimes.
The Altas end their campaign as the fourth seed with a 11-7 record.
The two squads will face each other in the Final Four beginning on Friday, October 26.
The Scores:
SBU 80 — Tankoua 23, Cabanag 16, Bolick 12, Mocon 9, Presbitero 6, Canlas 6, Doliguez 2, Nelle 2, Oftana 2, Soberano 2, Abuda 0, Carino 0, Eugene 0, Tongco 0.
UPHSD 72 — Aurin 18, Charcos 17, Eze 12, Coronel 9, Razon 8, Sese 5, Pasia 3, Cuevas 0, Mangalino 0, Pedrosa 0, Peralta 0, Tamayo 0, Jimenez 0.
Quarterscores: 15-18, 38-30, 55-58, 80-72.
