Dela Cruz posts triple-double as Lions win in Amer's return

MANILA, Philippines -- San Beda drew strength from the return of team captain Baser Amer as it overcame Jose Rizal, 83-75, Thursday to seize the solo lead in the 91st NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

Amer didn't score on his return after missing eight games due to a dislocated right shoulder but had five assists, four rebounds and provided the leadership for the Lions, who zoomed to the top with a 10-2 (win-loss) record.

"His demeanor, leadership and winning attitude and you can't coach that," said San Beda coach Jamike Jarin of Amer.

Arthur dela Cruz posted his first triple-double performance of his career with 26 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists while Nigerian Ola Adeogun bulldozed his way to 23 points and 12 boards.

Tey Teodoro came alive in the fourth period after a scoreless first half and fired nine of his 16 there.

It included eight straight points he capped with a booming triple that gave the Bombers a 69-67 edge with 7.01 minutes remaining.

But he fizzled out the rest of the way as the Lions turned things around by throwing it inside to Adeogun, who bullied his way to 11 points.

Jose Rizal fell to 6-5 (win-loss), the same card by Mapua, which also got a big boost from the return of Josan Nimes as it trounced San Sebastian, 87-78, to bolster its Final Four chances.

Nimes, who sat out three games due to a hamstring injury, came back by drilling in 18 points including eight in the fourth quarter that quashed the Stags' late fightback and clinched the Cardinals their sixth win against five defeats while pushing them closer to barging into the magic four.

"I'm glad to be back helping the team," said Nimes, who is playing his last season after he was drafted 12th overall in this year's PBA draft by Rain or Shine.

The game also saw the re-emergence of Mark Brana, who notched his first double-double effort of the year with 10 points and 10 rebounds, both season highs.

The Stags fell to 2-9 (win-loss) and closer to elimination.

In juniors' action, the San Beda Cubs routed the Jose Rizal Light Bombers, 95-71 to extend their amazing streak to 12 while the Robins smashed the Staglets, 86-64, to remain at No. 2 with a 10-1 slate.

The scores:

First Game
Mapua 87- Nimes 18, Oraeme 11, Nieles 10, Menina 10, Brana 10, Biteng 9, Que 7, Aguiire 6, Serrano 4, Raflores 2, dela Rosa 0

San Sebastian 78- Ortuoste 23, Costelo 15, Calisaan 13, David 10, Fabian 8, Guinto 7, Santos 2, Sibal 0, Pretta 0, Bulanadi 0, Vera 0

Quarterscores: 23-27; 45-43; 67-57; 87-78

Second Game

San Beda 83- dela Cruz 26, Adeogun 23, Tankoua 10, Sara 8, Koga 5, Soberano 4, Tongco 3, Cabanag 2, Mocon 2, Amer 0, Bonsubre 0, Presbitero 0, Solera 0, Sedillo 0

Jose Rizal 75- Pontejos 19, Teodoro 16, Grospe 10, Lasquety 7, Poutuouchi 6, Cruz 4, Abdul Wahab 4, dela Virgen 3, Sanchez 3, dela Paz 2, Astilla 1, Balagtas 0

Quarterscores: 21-16; 36-32; 64-60; 83-75