Cameroonian ace powers Lions over Cards

MANILA, Philippines — Reigning NCAA champion San Beda used a mighty start to build momentum en route to an 80-63 rout of an undermanned Mapua side in Group A play in the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup 2019 at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.

Cameroonian Arnaud Noah, the 2014 NCAA slam dunk champion, came through with a team-high 17 points in an effort speaking well of his chance to secure a spot in the team’s NCAA Season 95 roster after failing to make the squad last year behind Cameroon’s Donald Tankoua and Nigeria’s Toba Eugene.

It was Noah’s turn to shine after Tankoua starred in San Beda’s 75-66 win over University of the Philippines in the opener Sunday.

“He took advantage of his opportunity and made a big impact in this win,” said San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez of Noah.

The Lions didn’t leave anything to chance as they got off to a roaring start behind a three-point barrage including two from Ain Carlo Obenza, a former San Beda Red Cub, and one from sophomore Evan Nelle – a buzzer-beater from 26 feet that gave them a 31-11 lead at the end of the opening quarter.

San Beda zapped the fight out of Mapua, which sorely missed Jasper Salenga (due to injury), and Warren Bonifacio and Justin Serrano, who served out their one-game suspension for their involvement in a fight in a 65-84 defeat to Centro Escolar University last Monday. 

Meanwhile, Lyceum of the Philippines U edged Adamson, 82-81, to grab the Group B lead with a pristine 2-0 (win-loss) record.

Twins Jaycee and Jayvee Marcelino played big in the fourth quarter and finished with 19 and 14 points, respectively, to help the Pirates score a follow-up to their 70-57 triumph over the St. Benilde Blazers Monday.

In the third game, Letran also scored a second straight win on a 75-70 drubbing of Far Eastern U.