Ola Adeogun. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
San Beda feasted on defending champions De La Salle, easily taking its very first Filoil Flying V Hanes Preseason Premier Cup championship, 79-53, Sunday at San Juan Arena.
Even without point guard Baser Amer, the Red Lions were a show of force as they demoralized the Green Archers in wrestling away the preseason title.
From an early 13-8 deficit, the Red Lions tuned it around in the second half after a highly emotional first when head coach Jamike Jarin and Ola Adeogun were called with technical fouls.
“Basketball, as any competitive sport, is highly-emotional work,” Jarin said. “My apologies to everybody.”
San Beda outscored La Salle 27-11 in the third quarter including a 12-3 run to start the frame with an angry Adeogun imposing his will, JP Mendoza blazing past the Green Archers, and Art Dela Cruz scoring back-to-back baskets to give the Red Lions a commanding 48-32 lead.
Then it was Mike Sorela went on a personal 6-0 run to give the Red Lions a 21-point lead, 54-33, near the end of the third quarter.
Jarin had it in him to make the finals match a “track meet” taking advantage of his deep roster.
“I told them last night, ‘wear your running shoes,'” Jarin said.
San Beda out-rebounded La Salle 42-35 while dishing 18 assists compared to La Salle’s eight.
La Salle also gave away 21 turnovers while the Red Lions had a better performance, limiting their turnovers to 13.
Another glaring statistic wats he bench production with the Red Lions’ reserve outscoring the Green Archer bench 34-2.
“The bench was the turning point,” Jarin said.
Adeogun was a man on a mission as he finished with 11 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks.
Ryusei Koga had 18 points to lead San Beda.
Jeron Teng led La Salle with 21 points to go along nine boards. CFC