MANILA, Philippines – San Beda repeated over archrival Letran, 75-63, yesterday to streak to its 15th straight victory while closing in on a potential elimination-round sweep in the 95th NCAA basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
Calvin Oftana continued to blossom as a starter and uncorked 16 points including nine in the third quarter when the Lions unleashed a breakaway run that kept their record immaculate – three wins from an outright best-of-three finals entry.
The reigning three-peat champions, which are already assured of at least a Final Four spot play the Mapua Cardinals Friday, the St. Benilde Blazers on Oct. 10 and the Lyceum Pirates on Oct. 17.
“For now, we’re more concerned in improving as a team because the last three games will be an acid test for us especially to the younger players,” said San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez.
The Lions had a strong start as they roared to a 24-16 lead at the end of the opening period that they preserved entering the break.
And then Oftana and San Beda’s league-best defense went to work as the Lions held the Knights to just eight points in the third canto while unloading 20 of their own to put a big separation.
Letran absorbed its sixth defeat against nine triumphs but remained at solo No. 3.
Earlier, Emilio Aguinaldo fought back from double-digit deficits in eking out an 80-76 victory over Perpetual Help.