Lions relentless in 35-point rout of Chiefs

MANILA, Philippines — San Beda delivered its best performance of the season as it mauled Arellano University, 96-61, yesterday to stay on the prowl in the 98th NCAA basketball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

With its defense clicking and its offense humming, the Lions went full throttle early and never looked back to essay their most impressive effort of the year.

James Kwekuteye and JB Bahio fired 13 points apiece and presided over the carnage for San Beda, which secured its fifth win in seven outings and a foothold inside the magic four.

It was a bloodbath like no other for the Lions, who led by as many as 51 points twice and were never really threatened the rest of the game.

Later, Jose Rizal U stretched its streak to five games as it edged Lyceum of the Philippines U, 63-57, to jump to a share of second spot with its victim and San Beda at 5-2.

It was the longest streak by the Bombers in seven years and, more importantly, the result shoved them closer to the league-leading College of St. Benilde Blazers (6-1).