Red Lions ground Cardinals to claim 2nd win

FILE PHOTO BY CELEST R. FLORES

MANILA, Philippines- NCAA defending champions San Beda Red Lions displayed sheer dominance as they preyed on the Mapua Cardinals, 89-55, Friday at the Arena in San Juan.

Red Lions guard Baser Amer made seven from the rainbow area, going six-for-six in the first half, to lead San Beda to its second win in as many games with 21 points to go along with five dimes.

“It’s all credited to our coach, he makes sure that we have some time before and after practice for some shooting drills,” Amer said.

San Beda outscored Mapua, 21 to 10 in the third, finishing the period with a 29-point lead, 71-42.

Continuing into the fourth, the Red Lions established a 37-point lead, 85-48, courtesy of a straight-away three from Roldan Sara in the four-minute mark.

Despite the offensive spitfire, Red Lions head coach Boyet Fernandez said that it all started in the defensive end.

“It all starts with our defense,” Fernandez said. “The zone worked and it improved along the way.”

San Beda shot 14 of 27 from deep, while holding Mapua to a single three-pointer.

Anthony Semerad had 15 points, with four 3-pointers, while Ola Adeogun had 10 points and eight boards.

Cardinal big men Jessie Santana and Joseph Eriobu combined for 28 points to lead Mapua.

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