by Kristel Satumbaga
Defending champion San Beda got back at Lyceum with a 75-68 triumph yesterday to clinch the top semifinal seeding in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.
The Red Lions pulled away from a slim 18-13 lead in the first quarter to post a 39-31 edge at the half and kept their momentum going to avenge their first round loss to the Pirates.
The Lions likewise stretched their winning streak to 10 games for a 16-1 mark, assuring themselves of the No. 1 seed no matter what happens in their game against the University of Perpetual Altas on Tuesday.
But more than that, San Beda proved its detractors wrong.
“A lot of people were saying that we can’t win (against Lyceum), so it became our barometer. We really have to make it to the finals,” said San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez, whose team is now aiming for a three-peat.
Robert Bolick and James Canlas paced the Red Lions with 18 points each apart from combining for 11 rebounds while Donald Tankoua dominated the shaded lane with 15 points and 14 rebounds.
Javee Mocon also contributed significant numbers with 13 points and 10 boards.
Lyceum, which also has a twice-to-beat bonus at No. 2 with a 15-3 mark, battles No. 3 Letran in the other semifinal pairing.
Before their Final Four meeting, though, San Beda and Perpetual face on Tuesday in the last eliminations playdate.
Mike Nzeusseu and Jaycee Marcelino scored 16 and 14 points in failed attempts for Lyceum, while reigning Most Valuable Player CJ Perez was limited on only nine points in a 4-of-9 shooting from the field.
Earlier, San Beda formalized its claim for No. 3 seeding in the semifinals after dumping Lyceum, 83-76, in the juniors tournament.