SAN BEDA scalped Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC), 108-80, to make its intention felt even stronger in the 91st National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) seniors’ basketball tournament on Thursday at The Arena in San Juan City.
Arthur de la Cruz again put up big numbers of 22 points, 13 rebounds, four assists and two steals for the Red Lions, who also drew an impressive performance from Nigerian center Ola Adeogun.
Adeogun marked his first game of the season with 12 points, six rebounds and two blocks. Roldan Sara contributed 11 points and five assists for the five-time defending champions.
But it was mostly the second-stringers who did the damage for San Beda. AC Soberano led the charge for the bench mob with 12 points, while Jeramer Cabanag and Ranbill Tongco finished with 10 each points.
Coach Jamike Jarin was impressed with the way his wards played improved basketball, compared to their opening match against Mapúa—especially with the return of Adeogun and Baser Amer, who both played sparingly because of injuries.
“I’m happy that we scored 100 points, and I think defense played better today as we limited EAC to just 80. Sabi naman namin ‘let’s get better every game. It’s not only us, but the opponents will get better, so we need to be ready,’” Jarin said.
“One good thing about the game was that we saw OIa Adeogun for a few minutes, plus Baser Amer. It’s a good plus for us,” Jarin added. “They’re disciplined athletes, so I’m not worried about them. But it’s the timing in the game, so they will get that back eventually.”
San Beda’s Red Cubs also continued with its amazing run, this time beating Immaculate Conception Academy of Cavite, 84-78, for their second straight victory. All but one of 15 Red Cubs fielded scored, led by Germy Mahinay’s 11 points and five rebounds.
Malayan High School of Science recovered from an opening day loss and whipped San Sebastian High School, 80-51. Forwards Sherwin Concepcion and Jasper Salenga tallied 18 points each, while Romuel Junsay added 14 points and seven assists off the bench.
Image credits: Kevin de la Cruz