MANILA, Philippines — San Beda leaned on its vaunted running game as it overran an Allwell Oraeme-less Mapua, 106-80, Thursday, to get back on track in the Filoil Flying V Premier Cup at The Arena in San Juan City.
All but two of the players fielded in by San Beda coach Jamike Jarin scored at least two points with Robert Bolick, a transferee from La Salle, and Dan Sara leading the way with 15 and 14 points, respectively.
With the win, the Lions improved to 3-1 and inched closer to clinching a spot in the quarterfinals.
It also more than made up for its painful 85-94 defeat by the Lions to the Ben Mbala-led La Salle Archers Saturday.
"We just want to run and win. The boys are also eager to bounce back from our last loss," said Jarin.
After a closely fought opening quarter, the Lions made their move in the second when they turned a six-point lead to a double-digit advantage at the break, 59-47.
San Beda pulled away for good by outscoring Mapua in the third canto, 28-15.
Oraeme, the reigning NCAA MVP, was supposed to return to action after serving a one-game suspension but was a late scratch because he was reportedly under the weather, leaving the Cardinals vulnerable inside.
The Cardinals fell to 1-4.
Earlier, St. Benilde overpowered Emilio Aguinaldo, 71-46, to barge into the win column after four straight defeats.
Edward Dixon and Christian Fajarito fired a team-best 12 points apiece to help the Blazers improve to 1-4.