Red Lions a roar away from history

MANILA, Philippines - San Beda moved one win away from a record sweep as it overran Letran, 74-56, for its 15th straight victory in the 86th NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City yesterday.

The Red Lions used their size advantage to rout the Knights in the second half in a big finish they hope to sustain when they take on the San Sebastian Stags for their final game leading to a first-ever sweep of the double round elims featuring nine teams.

Rome dela Rosa sizzled with 19 points while the 6-7 Sudan Daniel imposed his strength inside and came away with 14 points, including 10 from the line, and 19 rebounds.

“It’s a good win but I want win No. 16 because as far as I know the school has never achieved a sweep before,” said San Beda coach Frankie Lim.

A victory over SSC will send San Beda straight to the finals.

“We’ve never done it because during my time in the late 70s we won the title but we lost one game,” said Lim.

The Knights fell to their ninth setback against six losses.

San Beda also surpassed its longest streak at 14 it accomplished four years ago while matching the league’s longest run at 15 set by San Sebastian last season.

Earlier, Arellano U leaned on a clutch jumper by Adrian Celada with 10.2 seconds to go as it stunned defending champion San Sebastian, 64-62, in perhaps the biggest upset in the season.

Scoreless the whole of the fourth quarter, the long-limbed Celada faked off a drive and fired a fade away jumper against Gilbert Bulawan’s outstretched arm that broke a 62-all count.

The Stags failed to come up with a decent shot at endgame, enabling the Chiefs to pound out the win.

After Ronnel del Rosario intercepted the pass by John Raymundo to Ian Sangalang with a couple of seconds to go, the Chiefs jumped and frantically celebrated in the center court as if they’ve won a championship.

“It’s our biggest win this season, we’re happy for the school,” said Arellano coach Leo Isaac.

The Chiefs have a chance to improve their record of 6-9 (win-loss) with a win against the Perpetual Help Altas (1-14) on Monday.

MVP race leader Calvin Abueva shot 21 points while Jonathan Semira made 16 points but the Stags struggled without the flu-stricken Ronald Pascual.

The Stags took their second loss against 13 wins.

In juniors’ action, San Beda drew another solid game from Baser Amer as it walloped Letran, 86-71, for a 14-1 mark.

Amer had 16 points, a league-best 16 assists and seven rebounds to help the Cubs avenge their only loss in the season.

San Sebastian, meanwhile, overpowered Arellano U, 81-59, to clinch the No. 2 seed and the twice-to-beat advantage in the semis.