US training pays off as returning San Beda nips FEU at Filoil Flying V

MANILA, Philippines – Fresh off its training in the US, reigning NCAA champion San Beda edged Far Eastern University, 80-76, Saturday at the FilOil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup at the Arena in San Juan.

The Red Lions, who just arrived last Wednesday after their two-week training in Los Angeles, kept their composure down the stretch behind big performances from Art dela Cruz and Ola Adeogun.

“We just had two days of practice after coming back and I’m happy we were able to get the win,” said San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez.

“What we learned from the States. Skills. Post moves ni Ola and the consistency of our outside shooting,” Fernandez added.

San Beda, which upped its mark to 3-1, appeared to have gotten control of the game before RR Garcia responded with six unanswered points that trimmed the Red Lions lead to two, 76-74, with still 1:10 remaining.

Dela Cruz answered back with his patented one-hander with under a minute left before San Beda pulled stops defensively plus a dose of luck after Mark Belo blew an uncontested layup and a couple of misses at the line Mike Tolomia and Christian Sentcheu.

Adeogun went just a rebound shy of a double-double with 15 points and nine rebounds while dela Cruz had 18 points.

Garcia shot a game-high 23 points while Mike Tolomia added 15 for the Tamaraws, who slid to 3-3.