DEFENDING three-time champion San Beda University made defense its main priority and won convincingly yet again yesterday.
Scoring almost at will behind an air-tight defense, the Lions posted the season’s biggest winning margin by dumping the University of Perpetual Altas, 102-56, to stay undefeated in the 95th NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
Cameroonian center Donald Tankoua scored 15 points, while AC Soberano also collected 15 points off the bench to lead a balanced SBU attack in a game that saw the Red Lions dominate the Altas in almost all aspects of the game.
The Lions were so dominant they raced to a 30-17 advantage before taking a 47-27 bulge at the half.
They were also ruthless on the defensive – reason they enjoyed a 46-33 advantage in the battle of the boards.
Not only that, they also forced the Altas to commit 18 turnovers, which they translated to 26 points as opposed to just nine SBU turnovers.
The win improved San Beda’s record to 6-0 as it moved up to solo lead in the standings. College of St. Benilde – unbeaten in five matches – was playing against Lyceum at presstime.
San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez commended his players, hoping the defensive effort they showed would serve them in good stead when they play against the dangerous Pirates on Tuesday next week.
“I salute my boys for this. It gives us lots of confidence against LPU in our next game,” said Fernandez. “Everybody just stepped up, and we’re winning games because of our defense.”
“We’re able to score because we’re making the stops. As long as we’re consistent with our defense, we’ll have a god chance of winning,” added Fernandez.
Evan Nelle and Clint Doliguez also had solid games for San Beda with 12 points apiece, while Filipino-Canadian James Kwekuteye-Canlas contributed 10 points.
The Altas slipped to 2-6. (WAYLON GALVEZ)