Art Dela Cruz with a floater. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Art dela Cruz was just sensational from the get-go, steering San Beda to a 96-84 blowout over Emilio Aguinaldo College to start the second round Tuesday in the NCAA Season 91 men’s basketball tournament at San Juan Arena.
Dela Cruz, who was drafted by Blackwater ninth in the PBA Draft two days prior, lit up for the Red Lions with a career-high 30 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and four steals.
“His game speaks for itself. Right now, I’m just fortunate to coach him in his final year. I’m very definite and just happy that Philippine basketball is very bright for guys like him,” said coach Jamike Jarin of his top dog.
Amiel Soberano also tallied his career-high with 20 points in a 4-of-10 shooting from beyond the arc while Dan Sara finished with 19.
“The first round is done. I told the boys before if you’re a rookie, come to the second round, you’re not (a rookie) anymore. It’s gonna be we should be playing at a different level at second round,” Jarin said.
The Red Lions broke away in the second quarter and took a lead as big as 29, 91-71 late in the fourth quarter.
San Beda missed the services of Ola Adeogun, who was serving his one-game suspension, and Jomari Presbitero, who was out due to a typhoid fever.
Francis Munsayac led the Generals with 20 points on a 5-of-8 shooting from threes, as Laminou Hamadou got a double-double of 18 markers and 10 boards in the defeat.
The Scores:
SAN BEDA 96 – Dela Cruz 30, Soberano 20, Sara 14, Tankoua 11, Mocon 5, Koga 4, Sorela 4, Sedillo 4, Cabanag 2, Tongco 2, Reyes 0, Bonsubre 0.
EAC 84 – Munsayac 20, Hamadou 18, Diego 14, Mejos 12, Pascua 8, Onwubere 6, Bonleon 3, Morada 3, Estacio 0.
Quarters: 14-16, 44-35, 70-60, 96-84.