Leading Red Lions, Chiefs roll back NCAA rivals

Carlos Isit of Mapua steals the ball from the fallen Anthony Semerad of San Beda. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

Ola Adeogun came back strong from a one-game absence, powering San Beda to a hard earned 74-69 victory over Mapua yesterday that kept the Red Lions on top in the 90th NCAA basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Benched by coach Boyet Fernandez in the 53-64 loss to the Letran Knights last week for missing practice, Adeogun delivered an emphatic response in his return with 19 points and 10 boards that helped the defending champions clinch their eighth win in 10 games.

“We need Ola’s inside presence, that’s how important he is to our team,” said Fernandez, referring to the 6-foot-7 center who also had three assists.
Mapua absorbed a ninth loss in 11 games.

The Arellano Chiefs later stayed in step with the Lions with a come-from-behind 101-98 triumph over the San Sebastian Stags.

Jiovani Jalalon reprised his role as Arellano’s hero, firing 19 points, including a six-point cluster inside the final three minutes as the Chiefs completed anothercomeback.

The scores:

First Game

SAN BEDA 74—Adeogun 19, Koga 17, A. Semerad 8, Amer 6, Mendoza 6, dela Cruz 6, Cabanag 3, D. Semerad 3, Mocon 2, Sara 2, Pascual 2, Abude 0, Abatayo 0, Solera 0.
MAPUA 69—Eriobu 22, Isit 12, Cantos 12, Canaynay 7, Gabo 4, Layug 4, Estrella 4, Biteng 2, Saitanan 2, Villasenor 0.
Quarters: 17-18, 39-34, 62-46, 74-69

Second Game

ARELLANO 101—Jalalon 19, Agovida 16, Holts 15, Pinto 14, Enriquez 11, Hernandez 8, Nichols 6,  Ciriacruz 4, Gumaru 2, Salcedo 2, Palma 2 Cadavis 2, Caperal 0.
SAN SEBASTIAN 98—Perez 23, Ortuoste 20, Guinto 18, Dela Cruz 15, Yong 12, Costelo 4, Balucanag 2, Calisaan 2, Pretta 2, Mercado 0.
Quarters: 22-25, 44-56, 72-78, 101-98