MANILA – San Beda University Red Lions repeated its dominance on archrival Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights with a 75-63 pounding in NCAA Season 95 men’s basketball at the San Juan Arena.
Calvin Oftana finished with 16 points and six rebounds. Ilonggo Clint Doliguez added 13 markers while James Canlas and Evan Nelle chipped in 12 points each.
With the win, the Red Lions moved up to 15-0.
It surged to a 17-1 start behind Nelle, Canlas, Doliguez, Donald Tankoua and John Bahio but the Knights went on a rally and was able to tie the score at 42-all in the third period.
The Red Lions, however, was quick to recover. It answered with a 20-0 scoring blast behind Oftana and Doliguez. The lead reached its largest of the match at 62-42 late in the third quarter.
“At least naka-recover kami. We went back to our defensive mentalities, made some stops, and had the 20-0 run. The effort of the players should be credited for this win,” said Red Lions head coach Boyet Fernandez.
Larry Muyang tallied 13 points, five rebounds, and three dimes while King Calaripio and Jerrick Balanza had 11 markers each as the Knights suffered its third straight defeat to slid down to 9-6.
Meanwhile, Lyceum of the Philippines Pirates cruised to its fifth consecutive victory after a 77-71 beating of Mapua University Cardinals.
Jaycee Marcelino finished with 14 points for the 11-3 Pirates./PN
