Red Lions topple Cards in FilOil tilt

(Games today) 1:30 p.m. – Perpetual Help vs SSC

3:15 p.m. – UP vs Arellano

5 p.m. – Ateneo vs Lyceum

MANILA, Philippines - San Beda used its vaunted running game to overrun a depleted Mapua side, 106-80, yesterday and get back on track in the FilOil Flying V Premier Cup at The San Juan Arena.

Robert Bolick, a transferee from La Salle, and Dan Sara came through with 15 and 14 points, respectively, for the Red Lions, who also drew at least two points from all but two of the rest of the squad. 

With the win, the Lions improved to 3-1 and zeroed in on a spot in the quarterfinals.

It also made up for San Beda’s 85-94 loss to the Ben Mbala-led La Salle Archers last Saturday.

“We just want to run and win. The boys are also eager to bounce back from our last loss,” said SBC coach Jamike Jarin.

After a closely fought opening quarter, the Lions unleashed their attack in the second that saw them turn a six-point lead to a double-digit spread at the break, 59-47.

San Beda kept the offensive at the resumption, outscoring Mapua, 28-15, en route to victory.

Allwell Oraeme, the reigning NCAA MVP, was supposed to return following a one-game suspension but didn’t show up due to flu-like symptoms, enabling the Lions to likewise attack the shaded lane.

The Cardinals fell to 1-4.

Earlier, St. Benilde overpowered Emilio Aguinaldo College, 71-46, to barge into the win column after four straight defeats.

Edward Dixon and Christian Fajarito fired 12 points apiece for the Blazers.

EAC, which was paced by Cameroonian Laminou Hamadou’s 16 points and 12 rebounds, also dropped to 1-4.