NCAA: San Beda shows no rust in 19-point romp of San Sebastian

MANILA, Philippines — Not even a long break could slow down defending champion San Beda.

The Red Lions picked up where they left off with a masterful 83-64 win over the San Sebastian Stags in the resumption of the NCAA Season 89 men’s basketball tournament Monday night at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Lions, gunning for their fourth consecutive championship, roared to their sixth win in a row after a 1-1 start.

Forward Art dela Cruz starred with 17 points, nine rebounds, six assists and four steals while heady point guard Baser Amer had 15 points.

San Beda was hardly affected by a long break in lieu of the just concluded FIBA Asia Championship as it got off to a fast start before blowing the game open in the second quarter.

With Leo de Vera and CJ Perez in check and John Ortuoste out, the Stags failed to get into their rhythm.

The Red Lions’ lead swelled as the game went on and even reached 20, 73-53, late on a triple by dela Cruz with only 2:43 remaining.

De Vera and Perez combined for just 10 points as San Sebastian staggered to 4-4. San Beda’s graduating skipper Rome dela Rosa added 14 points.