Lions whip Generals, near semis

OLA Adeogun of San Beda draws a foul from EAC’s Jerald Serrano. August dela Cruz

Ola Adeogun bullied his way to 25 points in just 18 minutes as San Beda overwhelmed Emilio Aguinaldo, 96-80, yesterday to move closer to a Final Four berth in the 90th NCAA basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Nigerian center, who also grabbed 12 rebounds, continued to play with tenacity that rubbed off on his teammates as the defending champion Red Lions streaked to their 11th victory in 13 games, solidifying their hold of the No. 1 spot.

Happi Noube, EAC’s Cameroonian center, missed his fourth straight game with a back injury.

Later, Letran sent San Sebastian reeling to a 10th straight loss while keeping its own Final Four hopes alive with a thrilling 75-73 victory.

Kevin Racal and Mark Cruz poured 20 and 17 points, respectively, for the Knights, who pulled through when Bobby Balucanag’s game-tying basket failed to beat the buzzer.

With their sixth win in 13 games, the Knights stayed in the Final Four hunt while pushing the Stags to the bottom of the pack with a 3-11 card.

“We just kept our (Final Four) hopes alive,” said Letran coach Caloy Garcia. “At least we got more confidence heading into the San Beda match.”

The scores:
First Game
SAN BEDA 96—Adeogun 25, Amer 18, Dela Cruz 14, Cabanag 7, Pascual 7, A. Semerad 6, Mendoza 4, Mocon 4, Abude 3, Tongco 3, Solera 3, Koga 2, Sara 0, Abatayo 0, D. Semerad 0.
EAC 80—Tayongtong 14, Mejos 13, Jamon 13, Saludo 12, Onwubere 9, Arquero 9, Serrano 7, General 3.
Quarters: 17-12, 40-27, 71-46, 96-80

Second Game
LETRAN 75—Racal 20, Cruz 17, Tambeling 13, Gabawan 9, Publico 6, Nambatac 5, Saldua 3, Ruaya 2, Calvo 0, Quinto 0, Dela Pena 0, Singontiko 0.
SAN SEBASTIAN 73—Perez 22, Dela Cruz 16, Guinto 16, Balucanag 6, Pretta 3, Oruoste 2, Santos 2, Camasura 0, Calisaan 0, Fabian 0, Costelo 0.

Quarters: 20-24, 31-39, 58-54, 75-73