Red Lions, Chiefs stay ahead
PBA-BOUND Anthony Semerad of San Beda controls possession even after getting tackled from behind by Jovit dela Cruz of San Sebastian in yesterday’s game at Filoil Flying V Arena. AUGUST DELACRUZ
San Beda refused to give an inch just like Arellano.
The Red Lions and Chiefs roared to a ninth victory Monday, inflicting more misery on bottom teams San Sebastian and Mapua, respectively, in the 90th NCAA basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Keeping their cool under pressure, Baser Amer and Art dela Cruz knocked in clutch baskets as the Lions overcame the Stags, 86-79, to sweep their season series.
The Chiefs leaned on PBA-bound John Pinto as they slipped past the Cardinals, 80-79, in the second game.
A day after Globalport made him the 19th pick of the PBA Draft, Pinto came up with what his coach called a “statement game,” exploding for a season-high 25 points to pace the Chiefs, who still needed clutch free throws from Jiovani Jalalon and Dioncee Holts to preserve the win.
“He just showed that we can depend on him and he has leadership qualities,” said Arellano coach Jerry Codiñera of Pinto, who went 11-of-18 from the field.
With the victories, San Beda and Arellano improved to 9-2, tightening their hold of the first two spots in the Final Four race.
“I like the way the team stepped up in the endgame,” said San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez. “We made defensive stops and got the baskets we needed.”
The Stags came within 74-78 inside the final two minutes but Amer, who had 15 points and 10 assists, buried a three pointer, before Dela Cruz hit a short stab to push the lead back to seven points, 81-74, with 1:19 remaining.
San Sebastian’s seventh straight loss spoiled the career game of big man Bradwyn Guinto, who powered his way to a personal-best 29 points. The Stags fell to 3-8.
Ola Adeogun posted 18 points and 15 rebounds in 22 minutes, while Dela Cruz scattered 15 points and collected eight boards.
The Cardinals played without head coach Atoy Co and starting center Jessie Saitanan who was suspended after a punch on David Semerad in the last game against San Beda.
Jalalon hit four pressure-packed free throws inside the final 12 seconds to cushion the impact of Isit’s late triple.
The scores:
First Game
SAN BEDA 86—Adeogun 18, Amer 15, Dela Cruz 14, Pascual 12, A. Semerd 8, Koga 7, Mendoza 7, Cabanag 3, Mocon 2, Sara 0, Abude 0, D. Semerad 0.
SAN SEBASTIAN 79—Guinto 29, Perez 23, Dela Cruz 11, Calisaan 5, Ortuoste 4, Yong 4, Camasura 3, Pretta 0, Aquino 0, Mercado 0.
Quarters: 15-15, 38-27, 65-52, 86-79
Second Game
ARELLANO U 82—Pinto 25, Jalalon 18, Holts 9, Ciriacruz 8, Enriquez 8, Agovida 7, Nicholls 5, Salcedo 2, Palma 0, Caperal 0, Ortega 0, Cadavis 0.
MAPUA 79—Isit 21, Eriobu 19, Estrella 18, Gabo 8, Biteng 5, Cantos 4, Tubiano 2, Villasenor 2, Canaynay 0, Layug 0.
Quarters: 26-24, 40-38, 62-54, 82-79
