San Beda University unleashed a big run in the fourth quarter and the defending three-time champion scored a 73-59 win over San Sebastian College-Recoletos in the 95th NCAA men’s basketball tournament yesterday at The Arena in San Juan City.
Down by two points, Clint Doliguez starred in a 12-0 run as he scored eight points that gave the Lions a 62-50 advantage with two minutes two play.
The win improved San Beda’s record to 4-0 while regaining the solo lead after College of St. Benilde briefly forced a tie with similar 3-0 card following a win against Mapua last Thursday.
“We’re really excited playing against San Sebastian, we know they’re a strong team,” said San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez. “But winning this game gives a lot of confidence. I’m happy for our boys, they stepped up defensively in the second half.”
“They don’t want to lose this game, because I told them that if we win, they’ll have a three days off – the most they’ll have (for the season) because after that we’ll play Mapua, Letran and College of St. Benilde. These are strong teams, so the off days will be big for the players,” added Fernandez.
Evan Nelle, despite nursing a sprained left thumb, finished with a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds with four assists, while Donald Tonkoua and Filipino-Canadian James Kwekuteye also scored 14 points each for San Beda. Calvin Oftana had 10 points and the same number of rebounds.
Fernadez said that despite their win and perfect record, they have to persevere inn their next games.
“We just won four games, we’ll still face some of the best teams so we got to be ready,” said Fernandez.
As for SSC, the setback was the team’s second straight after a 2-0 start.
Allyn Bulanadi led the Stags with 15 points, while Alvin Capobres and Arjan dela Cruz had 13 and 12 points, respectively. (WAYLON GALVEZ)
The scores:
San Beda 73 – Nelle 14, Tankoua 14, Canlas 14, Oftana 10, Doliguez 8, Noah 6, Soberano 3, Bahio 2, Abuda 1, Cuntapay 1, Etrata 0, Visser 0, Obenza 0, Cariño 0.
– Bulanadi 15, Capobres 13, Dela Cruz 12, Calma 6, Altamirano 4, Ilagan 3, Sumoda 2, Villapando 2, Desoyo 2, Tero 0, Cosari 0, Calahat 0.
Quarters: 16-19; 32-35; 48-45; 73-59.
