Lions halt Altas in NCAA opener

MANILA, Philippines — San Beda bucked poor shooting in a jittery start and barely survived a gritty Perpetual Help team, 67-65, to set in motion its three-peat campaign in the 94th NCAA basketball tournament before a packed crowd at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.

The Red Lions struggled with 21-of-58 shooting from the field and a 22-of-32 clip from the line, and needed a steal by Robert Bolick in the closing seconds to fend off the Altas.

“For some reason, we always struggle in our first game, maybe because of the euphoria. And it’s always tough playing against coach Frankie Lim,” said San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez.

The Lions banked on the efforts of Bolick, Javee Mocon, Cameroonian Donald Tankoua and Nigerian Toba Eugene to spoil Lim’s first game with the Altas. Lim is a former NCAA champion player and coach with San Beda.

In the other game, last year’s runner-up Lyceum of the Phl U turned back San Sebastian, 85-80.

Cameroonian Mike Nzeusseu powered his way to game-highs 23 points and 20 rebounds while reigning  MVP Jaymar Perez came up with 15 points, six boards, four assists and five steals to help the Pirates establish an early share of the lead with the Lions.

Bolick top scored for San Beda with 15 points while Mocon and Tankoua added 14 and 12, respectively. Eugene made a good impression in his first NCAA game after years of waiting, chipping in eight points including a crucial triple in the fourth quarter.

Still, the Lions had to endure a battle to the very end.

Bolick converted just three of 14 field attempts but made up for it with his 8-of-8 charities. Then there’s his biggest play as he intercepted Edgar Charcos’ pass to Nigerian Prince Eze in transition at the finish.

Bolick later rued his woeful shooting. “I need to work on my shooting more,” said Bolick, who opted to delay his PBA aspiration to chase another NCAA ring.

Despite losing four players from last season, Perpetual Help came out strong and pushed San Beda to the limit.

The Altas even led at 57-55 with less than four minutes to go on back-to-back three-pointers by Charcos.

Earlier, NCAA president Anthony Tamayo of host Perpetual Help officially declared the tournament open during inaugural rites highlighted by a beautifully prepared production number.

The scores:

First Game

San Beda 67 – Bolick 15, Mocon 14, Tankoua 12, Eugene 8, Soberano 6, Abuda 3, Kwekuteye 3, Presbitero 2, Doliguez 2, Cabanag 2, Oftana 0, Tongco 0, Nelle 0, Carino 0, Cuntapay 0

Perpetual Help 65 – Charcos 14, Eze 13, Coronel 13, Razon 10, Aurin 8, Peralta 7, Mangalino 0, Cuevas 0, Tamayo 0, Pasia 0

Quarterscores: 13-10, 23-23, 44-40, 67-65

Second Game

LPU 85 – Nzeusseu 23, Perez 15, Marcelino JC 13, Serrano 6, Pretta 6, Yong 6, Marcelino JV 5, Ayaay 4, Caduyac 4, Ibanez 2, Santos 1, Cinco 0, Tansingco 0, Valdez 0

San Sebastian 80 – Ilagan 18, Bulanadi 15, Calisaan 12, Calma 10, Valdez 7, Sumoda 6, Dela Cruz 5, Desoyo 4, Villapando 3, Capobres 0, Are 0, Baytan 0

Quarterscores: 22-14, 43-43, 67-60, 85-80