The Fallen Anthony Semerad of San Beda tried to dribble the ball off Jovit dela Cruz of SSC at the San Juan arena. INQUIRER PHOTO/AUGUST DELA CRUZ
MANILA, Philippines — Defending champion San Beda stood its ground amid a late push by San Sebastian to win, 86-79, to keep its place atop the standings Monday in the NCAA Season 90 men’s basketball tournament at the Arena in San Juan.
Chief point guard Baser Amer scored 15 points, including seven in the fourth quarter, to help the Red Lions stay at the helm with a 9-2 record.
Amer, the heady veteran, also dished out 10 assists.
“We didn’t play with enough intensity in the fourth quarter,” said San Beda head coach Boyet Fernandez. “Good thing Baser was there.”
Nigerian center Ola Adeogun also notched a double-double with 18 points and 15 rebounds while Art dela Cruz added 14 points.
The tough-luck Stags, who have now dropped their eighth game in 11 outings, leaned heavily on Bradwyn Guinto and CJ Perez. Guinto led all scorers with 29 points while the high-octane Perez had 23.
San Sebastian battled back from a double-digit deficit in the fourth quarter but just couldn’t complete its comeback bid with Amer and Dela Cruz, who had six in the final 10 minutes, coming through for San Beda.
San Beda saw three of its current players get picked in the 2014 PBA Rookie Draft Sunday with the Semerad twins Anthony and David going seventh and 10th overall, respectively and Kyle Pascual being taken late in the second round.
Anthony, who plays more of a stretch forward, was taken by the GlobalPort Batang Pier while David, more of an inside operator and enforcer in the paint, was selected by the Barako Bull Energy.
Pascual, the big man who has a soft touch extending from the outside, was picked by Kia Motors.
“I’m really proud of my guys. It goes to show that San Beda is one of the best basketball programs in the country today,” Fernandez said.
Playing inspired basketball, Pascual also made significant contribution with 12 points.