NCAA: Red Cubs near juniors sweep after beating Squires

MANILA, Philippines — Four-time defending champion San Beda kept its record clean after fending off Letran, 95-84, in the NCAA Season 89 juniors basketball tournament Monday at the Arena in San Juan.

Forward Javee Mocon scored half of his 20 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Red Cubs to a 17-0 record, a win away from an outright Finals berth via sweep.

Mocon also had nine rebounds and three blocks while Ranbill Tongco and Arvin Tolentino had 19 and 16 points, respectively.

San Beda, which pounced on Letran’s miscues with 24 turnover points, clamped down on defense in the second half as it held also-ran Letran to just 32 points in the second half after putting up 52 in the first half.

Undersized but stocky center Ivan Villanueva had 30 points and nine rebounds while John Alarce notched a double-double of 16 points and 14 rebounds for the Squires, who finished their campaign with an 8-10 record.