Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO
Nigerian center Ola Adeogun threw his weight around in the final period as San Beda held off Jose Rizal U, 83-75, Thursday to grab the solo lead in the 91st NCAA basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
The Heavy Bombers showed plenty of fight, using their pressure defense to unsettle the Red Lions, until Adeogun took charge with 11 points in the payoff period, upping San Beda’s record to 10-2, which put it past Letran (9-2).
MVP contender Art Dela Cruz notched his first triple double of the season with 26 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists for the Lions, who welcomed Baser Amer back after an eight-game absence due to a dislocated shoulder.
“We’re happy that Baser is back,” said coach Jamike Jarin. “We need every player to contribute to be successful this season.”
Josan Nimes also returned from injury to power Mapua to an 87-78 trouncing of San Sebastian earlier for the Cardinals’ sixth win in 11 games.
Missing the last three games due to a hamstring problem, Nimes showed why he’s still the Cardinals’ main man, firing 18 points for the Stags.
The Stags unleashed a 9-0 run to cut the lead to 83-78 with 1:03 remaining, before Allwell Oraeme stopped Mapua’s bleeding with a transition lay-up. Nimes then wrapped up the win with a floater with 45 seconds remaining, sending the Stags closer to elimination at 3-9.
The scores:
First Game
MAPUA 87—Nimes 18, Oraeme 11, Nieles 10, Menina 10, Brana 10, Biteng 9, Que 7, Aguiire 6, Serrano 4, Raflores 2, dela Rosa 0
SAN SEBASTIAN 78—Ortuoste 23, Costelo 15, Calisaan 13, David 10, Fabian 8, Guinto 7, Santos 2, Sibal 0, Pretta 0, Bulanadi 0, Vera 0
Quarters: 23-27, 45-43, 67-57, 87-78
Second Game
SAN BEDA 83—Dela Cruz 26, Adeogun 23, Tankoua 10, Sara 8, Koga 5, Soberano 4, Tongco 3, Cabanag 2, Mocon 2, Amer 0, Bonsubre 0, Presbitero 0, Solera 0, Sedillo 0
JRU 75—Pontejos 19, Teodoro 16, Grospe 10, Lasquety 7, Poutouochi 6, Cruz 4, Abdul Wahab 4, Dela Virgen 3, Sanchez 3, Dela Paz 2, Astilla 1, Balagtas 0
Quarters: 21-16, 36-32, 64-60, 83-75