Ruthless Lions ambush Chiefs

SAN Beda’s Ola Adeogun (right) elevates to block Arellano’s Keith Agovida in yesterday’s Game 1 at MoA Arena. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

MANILA, Philippines — Fast and ferocious right from the get-go, San Beda gave Arellano a rude welcome in the NCAA basketball tournament’s biggest stage.

The Red Lions, playing with the ruthlessness that marked their long reign as champions, rode a hot start on their way to a 74-66 trouncing of the Chiefs Monday night to move on the cusp of a fifth straight crown at Mall of Asia Arena.

San Beda playmaker Baser Amer shot 17 points, including 4-of-5 from beyond the arc, and handed out seven assists, while Nigerian center Ola Adeogun bullied his way to 14 points and 17 boards as the Lions grabbed the headstart in the best-of-three championship series.

Another victory for the Lions in Game 2 Wednesday will allow San Beda to equal San Sebastian’s feat of five straight crowns from 1993 to 1997.

The Lions also closed in on an eighth title in nine years and could further extend their record to 19 crowns.

“We’re happy that we got Game 1 but we just won one game,” said San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez.

But while the Lions moved a win away from the title, their juniors, the Red Cubs, are in danger of losing their crown after a 75-84 loss to the Mapua Red Robins in Game 1 of their own series.

David Velvez poured nine of his 14 points in the final period as the Red Robins inched closer to completing a remarkable turnaround for a program that was rebuilt in 2008, a year when Mapua did not win a single game.

The Lions responded superbly behind Amer and Ryusei Koga after the Chiefs, in the finals for the first time, closed in at 61-56.

Koga’s long jumper lifted the Lions to a 69-59 lead, before Amer knocked in a wide-open triple with 1:13 left to all but wrap up the win, 72-59.

“We can’t give Arellano a chance because they are a strong team,” said Amer.

Playing in the finals for the ninth straight season, the Lions took the game to the Chiefs early on with a pressing defense and fastbreak baskets.

The scores:
First Game
MAPUA 84—Bonifacio 18, Lugo 14, Velvez 14, Victoria 12, Concepcion 7, Aguirre 4, Calderon 4, Pascua 4, Salenga 4, Cabural 3.

SAN BEDA 75—Alas 15, Decapia 13, Diputado 12, Furaque 12, Abuhijleh 9, Framil 5, Bordeus 4, Caracut 4, Abatayo 1, Alfaro 0.

Quarters: 23-23, 44-45, 63-63, 84-75

Second Game

SAN BEDA 74—Amer 17, A. Semerad 14, Adeogon 14, De La Cruz 13, Pascual 7, Sara 5, Mendoza 3, Koga 2, Mendoza 2, Cabanag 0, Mocon 0, D. Semerad 0, Tongco 0.

ARELLANO 66—Agovida 14, Holts 11, Jalalon 9, Bangga 9, Pinto 6, Gumaru 5, Salcedo 4, Ciriacruz 4, Nicholls 2, Enriquez 2, Hernandez 0, Palma 0, Caperal 0, Cadavis 0.

Quarters: 26-17, 40-31, 59-48, 74-66