Sam Abu Hijle exploded with 27 points and 13 rebounds as reigning titlist San Beda hammered Lyceum, 80-66, yesterday to remain on top in NCAA juniors basketball at The Arena in San Juan City.
Abu Hijle scattered 10 markers in the fourth quarter for the Red Cubs, who directed the tempo all throughout for their 11th victory in 12 outings.
It was also San Beda’s fourth straight triumph since losing to Arellano late in the first round, while sweeping Lyceum after its 97-88 win in their first meeting last June 30.
Robi Nayve also made his presence felt and scored 14 points, apart from hauling four rebounds and dishing off four assists.
The Red Cubs slowly pulled away from a 19-18 lead in the first quarter by scoring 23 points in the second period for a 42-35 edge at halftime.
The Junior Pirates tried to fight back, but stumbled into a series of turnovers which gave the Red Cubs the needed advantage to build a comfortable cushion en route to the win.