Lions frustrate Stags, remain at NCAA helm

MANILA, Philippines - Baser Amer took charge in the fourth quarter as San Beda survived a late San Sebastian fightback to carve out an 86-79 victory yesterday and stayed as pacesetter in the 90th NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

Atoning for a subpar six-point effort in a 74-69 win over Mapua last Wednesday, Amer scattered seven of his 15 points in the final 10 minutes of play while setting up his teammates for easy baskets to complete a double-double game with 10 assists.

“My neck was still sore the last time out, but I’m good now,” said Amer in Pilipino referring to the minor neck injury he sustained in his team’s 53-64 defeat to arch-rival Letran in the final game of the first round.

Arellano U continued to match San Beda’s pacesetting card as it foiled Mapua, 82-79, later in the day.

John Pinto, picked by Global Port in the second round of the PBA Draft last Sunday, fired a season-high 25 points although the Chiefs needed to toughen up down the stretch to frustrate the Cardinals.

It was Arellano’s ninth win in 11 outings while Mapua fell to 1-10.

Nigerian Ola Adeogun matched Amer’s double-double with 18 points and 15 boards in a big follow-up to his 19-point, 10-rebound effort against the Cardinals.

Arthur dela Cruz added 14 points, backing up Amer’s strong finish with six  markers as they helped quashed the Stags’ repeated comebacks.

Kyle Pascual came through with 12 points, nine rebounds and two steals, a day after he was tabbed by Kia Motors as its 24th overall pick in the 2014 PBA draft at the Robinson’s Place Manila.