Red Lions bounce back from first loss at Stags’ expense

MANILA, Philippines –They made it clear to all as who are kings of the jungle.

Bouncing back from their lone loss of the season, the San Beda College Red Lions made mincemeat of the struggling San Sebastian College-Recoletos Golden Stags, 75-56, in the National Collegiate Athletics Association of the Philippines at the Arena in San Juan Friday afternoon.

San Beda, who lost to the College of St. Benilde Blazers, 73-67, in their previous match, roared from the get-go, building a 20-point lead in the first quarter, 27-7.

Keeping the red-hot flames alive, the Red Lions built their largest lead of the match which was a 32-point trench in the third quarter courtesy of a 12-2 run, 50-18.

Head coach Boyet Fernandez said that whatever the result of the game would determine the character of his team.

“Win or lose, this would prove the character of our team,” Fernandez said as his Lions stayed on the top spot with a 6-1 card. “After the big loss, I thought that they were down, but they were back.”

Fernandez added that they offered the game to Father Basil Apostol, the spiritual advisor of the Red Lions, who suffered a heart attack the previous week.

“We offered this game to him, and we would give the season to him,” Fernandez said. “I hope he’s happy right now.”

San Sebastian took a chance in the fourth quarter, cutting the lead to 14 with a 9-0 dash with CJ Perez throwing down a one-hander, 65-51.

San Beda, however, was quick to respond with a heart-wrenching three from Ranbill Tiongco from the left wing to extend the lead again, 68-51.

Humble in victory, Fernandez praised the Stags for their resiliency and spirit in the fourth.

Big man Ola Adeogun was the leader of the pride with an impressive line of 12 points, 13 rebounds and six rejections.

Forward Anthony Semerad was the lead attacker for San Beda with 19 points and six boards to boot.

Perez, with 13 points, led the charge for the Stags, who have lost three-straight and a seventh spot.
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