San Beda Red Lions demolished San Sebastian Stags with 76-67 victory as the 93rd season of NCAA Basketball Tournament opens, July 8 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
In the other game, Arellano University Chiefs crushed Mapua Cardinals finishing off a 91-82 win.
Chiefs’ Kent Salado brought 24 points, with Michael Canete firing 17 points and 12 rebounds.
Cardinals only had 11 favorable players in the ball game and without their two-time MVP Allwell Oraeme and Shane Menina in the squad, it created an upsetting loss.
Meanwhile, Lions’ Jayvee Mocon and Robert Bolick fueled 15 points in the stretch apiece.
San Beda managed to chase their three-point drought in the final period and led their journey to their first crown—their 12th straight opening day victory as well.
Lions Coach Boyet Fernandez commended their rookie player Clint Doliguez for giving his best six point shots in the stretch while intensifying his defense in the later quarter.
“…I didn’t know how many points he scored but he played good defense, made some steals and brought back the energy that we have,” said Fernandez.
After tearing his knee from ACL (anterior cruciate ligament), Beda’s Donald Tankoua re-entered the court to score 10 points and 8 rebounds in his 16-minute gameplay.
By speed and establishing three-point shots with players Michael Calisaan and other players standing behind the arc, Stags made up with their size disadvantage.
An opening number under Fr. Nemesio Tolentino, OAR,of host San Sebastian, kicked off the season opening, with the league’s top alumi Rommel Adducul, Egay Macaraya and Dr. Alfonso Mora as his honorary mentions.
(Disclaimer: Photo Courtesy of San Beda Red Lions Facebook Page)
Comments