San Beda sweeps NCAA elims, gains outright Finals seat

San Beda University Red Lions’ Calvin Oftana goes for a layup.

MANILA – San Beda University Red Lions gained an outright seat in the finals of the NCAA Season 95 men’s basketball by posting an 85-62 win over the Lyceum Pirates at the San Juan Arena.

The Red Lions made a return trip to the championship round after finishing the elimination round with a perfect 18-0 win-loss record, while also turning the Final Four to a step-ladder format.

Cameroonian import Donald Tankoua tallied 26 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Calvin Oftana tallied double-double of 18 points and 10 boards, while James Canlas got 17 points.

“It’s a little bit of fulfillment on my part,” said Red Lions head coach Boyet Fernandez. “The goal is to just enjoy this tonight and look forward to the finals. Our job is not yet done.”

Holding to a slim 28-23 advantage, the Red Lions went on an 18-3 scoring run to suddenly take a 20-point lead, 46-26, with three minutes still to play in the second quarter and seize control of the game.

Jaycee Marcelino top-scored with 17 points, four rebounds, and two steals, while Jeff Santos scored 12 markers as the Pirates solidified the second spot in the standings with 13-5 record.

In the first game, Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights rallied back from 21 points down to beat Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 87-76.

Larry Muyang finished with 22 points for the Knights./PN

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