Art dela Cruz (right) INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Defending champion San Beda broke loose in the fourth quarter to beat Emilio Aguinaldo College, 80-65, Monday in the 89th NCAA Season men’s basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Art dela Cruz led the way with 18 points and nine rebounds for the Red Lions, who improved to 3-1.
“He’s (dela Cruz) been playing well,” said San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez. “They stepped up in the second half. This is our first back-to-back wins, I hope this would give us more energy.”
Baser Amer added 14 points, 10 of which came in the second half.
The Red Lions trailed by as much as seven, 34-41, early in the third before making the necessary adjustments especially at the defensive end to turn things around.
“We adjusted or pick and roll defense and we limited their penetrations.”
The Generals, who slid to 1-3, drew 18 points from Igee King, who hardly missed at the two-point area going nine-of-11.
EAC failed, though, to get more production from its other players including guard Jan Jamon unable to contribute in the second half.