Filoil romp big boost to Lions NC repeat bid

MANILA, Philippines - San Beda sets out for the NCAA Season 93 all fired up, its sweep of the Filoil Premier Cup speaks well for its drive for another championship when the basketball tournament is fired off July 18 at the MOA Arena in Pasay.

The Lions beat no less than the reigning UAAP titlist La Salle Archers in the finals, 75-72, last Sunday to cap their 11-game romp in the annual premier pre-season tournament among the country’s top collegiate squads.

“This championship is a big morale-boost for us because we’re now focused on winning that back-to-back NCAA title,” said San Beda coach Boyet Fenandez.

The recent triumph have logically installed the Lions the early title favorite, also because of their almost intact line up led by Robert Bolick and Jayvee Mocon, which they boosted by tapping a pair of talented transferees from Ateneo in Clint Doliguez and Kenmark Carino.

Doliguez, a burly guard, and Carino, lanky 6-8 wing man, are expected to be in Fernandez’s main rotation after playing crucial roles in San Beda’s pre-season triumph.

“They are our energy guys and we expect them to be an integral part of our campaign,” said Fernandez.

But it was Bolick and Mocon who emerged San Beda’s top players this summer with the former making the biggest impact in their successful title run.

While Mocon, a product of San Beda’s high school program, anchored the team’s defense, Bolick provided the firepower, coming through almost always in the stretch.

Against the Archers, Bolick drilled in the booming triple that broke a 72-all count and eventually the hearts of the UAAP champs as the Lions secured their second championship in the tournament and the bragging rights as the best college team in the land.

“They’re the leaders of this team and I expect them to play a crucial role in our NCAA campaign,” said Fernandez of his prized tandem.