Lions rout RP Youth U-18 in Filoil

MANILA, Philippines -- The San Beda Red Lions brought their A-game in 79-57 thrashing of the RP Youth U-18 national team at the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup at the San Juan Arena.

The three-time NCAA defending champions were under explicit instructions from  head coach Boyet Fernandez “to play hard from the opening tip so the RP team could learn.” And San Beda led all the way posting as much as a 23-point lead, 65-42 with 6:11 left in the game.

RP coach Jamike Jarin welcomed Fernandez’ strategy because “it’s the only way we will learn because in the international arena other countries will show us no mercy.”

San Beda got off to an early start and led all the way. The nationals cut the early 13-point first quarter deficit to 10, 40-30, going into the halftime break but the Red Lions stepped on the gas pedal upon the resumption of the match.

“I saw how they nearly beat FEU in a game that was theirs to win,” noted Fernandez. “I told my team that we cannot underestimate them. Just as we are learning to run our system since we have new players so is the youth team learning their system from their coach.”

“I would like to thank Coach Boyet for playing us 100% hard,” offered Jarin. “It is good preparation for us before we go to Malaysia (for the Seaba Under-18 championships). We’re going to rely on our skills and talent and hopefully find out chemistry there.” The RP Youth team is taking part in the Filoil tourney to gain valuable experience.

Ola Adeogun topscored with 22 points while Arthur dela Cruz and Baser Amer added 18 and 11 respectively.

The U-18 team was led by Ranbill Tongco’s 15 points while Thirdy Ravena added 14.

The Scores:

SBC 79 – Adeogun 19, Dela Cruz 18, Amer 11, Mocon 9, Cabanag 7, Koga 6, Pascual 3, Sara 3, Estrada 2, Ludovice 1, Semerad A. 0, Mendoza 0, Villaruz 0, Sedillo 0, Solero 0.

RP Youth 57 – Tongco 15, Ravena 14, Caracut 7, Santillan 4, Black 4, Desiderio 4, Asilum 4, Go J. 3, Escoto 2, Dyke 0,  Go I. 0, Balanza 0, Mosqueda 0.