Games Saturday
(The Arena, San Juan)
12 p.m. – Lyceum vs St. Benilde (jrs)
2:30 p.m. – Lyceum vs St. Benilde (srs)
MANILA, Philippines – San Beda threw the defensive mat on San Sebastian early to hammer out a one-sided 75-56 victory and regain the solo lead in the 90th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City Friday.
The Lions imposed their defensive might as early as the opening quarter when they raced to a 27-7 start and were in control the rest of the game to snare their sixth victory in seven games.
It was also a win that eased the pain of San Beda's stinging 73-67 defeat to St. Benilde last Monday that sent the former sprawling to its first win after starting the tournament with five straight wins.
It also allowed the Arellano U Chiefs to catch up with a 5-1 (win-loss) record.
The Lions, however, made sure they will not even come close to the idea of a defeat by taking the fight out of the Stags early.
Fil-Aussie Anthony Semerad uncorked a game-high 19 points while Arthur dela Cruz and rookie sensation Ranbill Tongco scattered 15 and 12, respectively, to help seal it for San Beda, seeking to become the second team in league history to win five straight titles.
It was, however, Nigerian behemoth Ola Adeogun who anchored San Beda's strong defensive effort as he not only chipped in 12 points he also lorded it over the boards with a game-high 16 rebounds and a season-best six blocks.
"Ola (Adeogun) anchored our defense," said San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez.
Fernandez also mentioned his players' resolve to get back on track.
"I have to give credit to my players, they really wanted this win and bounce back from our loss," he said.
The Stags fell to thier fourth setback against three wins.
The Scores:
San Beda (75) – A. Semerad 19, Dela Cruz 14, Adeogun 12, Tongco 12, Koga 6, Mocon 4, Amer 3, Mendoza 3, Pascual 2, Cabañag 0, Sara 0, D. Semerad 0.
San Sebastian (56) – Perez 13, Guinto 10, Dela Cruz 7, Yong 6, Balucanag 4, Calisaan 4, Ortuoste 4, Camasura 3, Pretta 3, Fabian 2, Costelo 0, Aquino 0, Mercado 0.
Quarters: 27-7, 38-16, 59-36, 75-56.