Lions overpower Chiefs for 8th win

Games Friday

2 p.m. – NCAA All-Star Side Events

4 p.m. – NCAA All-Star Game

MANILA, Philippines - San Beda unleashed a big second quarter run to overpower last year’s finals rival Arellano U, 95-70, to finish second behind unbeaten Lyceum of the Philippines U at the close of the first round elims of the 93rd NCAA basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan yesterday.

Robert Bolick and Javee Mocon combined for 42 points, the bulk of which they delivered in the second period where the Lions outscored the Chiefs, 25-12, to post a huge 48-30 lead at the break.

It was cruise control for San Beda from there as the Lions closed out with an 8-1 card behind Lyceum’s 9-0 card heading to the final elims phase starting next week.

“This was our best game thus far,” said Bolick, who finished with 23 points.

Barely ahead at 28-27 midway in the second quarter, San Beda pulled away behind a 20-3 blast with Bolick and Mocon alternating on the firing end.

Earlier, Jose Rizal U nearly squandered a 19-point bulge midway in the fourth quarter but held on to carve out a 68-59 victory over Mapua and firm up its hold of third place.

Rookie transferee Aaron Bordon took charge when top gun Teytey Teodoro struggled as the former Cavite State U mainstay fired a career-high 17 points to power the Bombers to their fourth straight win and sixth overall against three defeats.