San Beda University reaffirmed its superiority over Emilio Aguinaldo College as the Red Lions streaked to their 10th straight win with a 98-66 conquest at the start of second round of the NCAA men’s basketball elims yesterday at The Arena in San Juan.
In another show of force, five San Beda players finished in double figures, including three with 13 points apiece in Clint Doliguez, Evan Nelle and Cameroonian big man Donald Tankoua.
Calvin Oftana, the leading Most Valuable Player (MVP) contender through the opening round of the oldest collegiate league in the country, and AC Soberano added 12 points apiece off the bench.
Soberano scored all his points in the second period while Nelle, the No. 2 in MVP race issued 11 assists, scattered 11 points as SBU outscored EAC, 38-9, that turned a slim 16-14 advantage after one quarter to a comfortable 54-23 advantage at halftime break.
San Beda controlled all aspects of the game as it shot 35-of-65 (53.85%) from the field, including 15-of-29 (51.72%) three-point shooting, compared to EAC’s 19-of-62 (30.65%) miserable output.
San Beda, which defeated EAC 89-72 in the first round, also controlled the boards, 45-31, had more assists, 27-12, and forced the Generals to 17 turnovers.
It was the 22nd overall win of San Beda against EAC in as many games, or since the Generals joined the NCAA in 2009. The win was also the 24th straight for the Lions since August of last season.
San Beda head coach Boyet Fernandez said it’s all about their preparation and always being hungry to get the win.
“We’re really doing extra work on our skills, on our shooting,” said Fernandez. “My players really come to practice everyday with the mindset that thy have to improve on their shooting.”
“We just have to be hungry every game. It boils down on how we prepare and practice, and how we start. Even though we’re winning, the objective really is make the Final Four and win championship,” added Fernandez.
The setback dropped EAC to 1-9 in the standings.
Marwin Taywan led the Generals with 19 points, but got little support as only JP Maguliano was the other double-digit scorer as he added 17 points for the Oliver Bunyi-mentored team. (Waylon Galvez)
SAN BEDA 98 – Nelle 13, Tankoua 13, Doliguez 13, Soberano 12, Oftana 12, Canlas 9, Alfaro 8, Bahio 7, Etrata 3, Carino 3, Cuntapay 2, Noah 1, Obenza 1, Visser 1, Abuda 0
EAC 66 – Taywan 19, Maguliano 17, Luciano 7, De Guzman 5, Cadua 3, Mandoza 3, Carlos 3, Martin 3, Estacio 2, Gurtiza 2, Dayrit 2, Corilla 0, Boffa 0, Gonzales 0
Quarters: 16-14; 54-23; 75-42; 98-66.
