Red Lions start NCAA season 91 with Cardinal mauling

San Beda’s Art Dela Cruz. TRISTAN TAMAYO/INQUIRER.net

San Beda started off to a roaring start as it preyed on Mapua, 102-89, in the opener of the 91st season of the NCAA Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena to start their title defense.

With the win, the Red Lions spoiled the returns of Josan Nimes and Andretti Stevens who were sideline for two years.

San Beda, who played without starters Ola Adeogun and Baser Amer, took off in the start of the fourth quarter with a 9-3 run to take an 82-70 lead.

READ: Star guard Baser Amer to miss San Beda’s NCAA opener

Red Lions head coach Jamike Jarin said the fast-paced game was his liking but they have to defend the opponent’s transition better.

“I love the pace of the game…I like the run and gun but where’s the defense?” Jarin said. “We did a bad job defending the transition.”

Mapua scored 19 transition points but San Beda had a respectable run, too, with 17.

Leading the pride for the Red Lions was veteran forward Art De La Cruz who finished with 27 points, 17 rebounds, and six assists.

Big man Pierre Tankoua held the paint for the injured Adeogun as he put up 18 points and eight boards while Ranbill Tongco also had 18.

Ryusei Koga had 16 points, after waxing hot for 14 markers in the first half, while Micole Solera had 11.

Solera was the main man to defend Nimes who finished with 23 points and seven rebounds.

Pierre Tankoua TRISTAN TAMAYO/INQUIRER.net

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Jarin said Solera bounced back from a terrible defensive effort in the first half after allowing Nimes to put up 17 points in the first half alone.

“Micole did a good job on Nimes in the second half,” Jarin said.

Allwell Oraeme added 13 points, 16 rebounds, and four blocks for the Cardinals but fouled out in the fourth quarter. IDL