Dela Cruz stars as San Beda halts Mapua’s 6-game win streak

A pumped up Art Dela Cruz celebrates as he leads San Beda to its 12th win. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

San Beda stopped Mapua on its tracks and dealt the Cardinals their first loss in the second round, 75-65, Friday in the NCAA Season 91 men’s basketball tournament at San Juan Arena.

MVP contender Art dela Cruz led the Red Lions with 17 points, 14 rebounds, and five assists to lead the Red Lions to their 12th victory in 16 games and snap the Cardinals’ six-game win streak.

“It’s a big win because you get an advantage right now,” said coach Jamike Jarin. “It’s the homestretch. Every game really counts. We’re fortunate enough that we we’re able to get this win.”

Baser Amer had his best game to date, chipping in 15 markers, nine boards, and four dimes, while Pierre Tankoua and Ranbill Tongco got 12 points apiece.

Mapua climbed back from a 22-point, 38-16 hole in the second quarter and got to as close to one, 61-60, on Josan Nimes layup midway in the payoff period, but dela Cruz answered right back for the Red Lions with five straight points.

Allwell Oraeme trimmed the deficit down to three, 68-65 with 2:11 to play, but he muffed his breakaway layup and committed a costly turnover in the final minute, allowing San Beda to ice the game from the charity stripe.

Oraeme finished with 15 points and 21 rebounds as Mapua fell to 10-6.The Scores:

SAN BEDA 75 – Dela Cruz 17, Amer 15, Tankoua 12, Tongco 12, Koga 10, Adeogun 7, Mocon 2, Cabanag 0, Soberano 0, Reyes 0, Bonsubre 0, Presbitero 0.
MAPUA 65 – Oraeme 15, Menina 15, Nieles 10, Nimes 9, Braña 6, Serrano 4, Isit 2, Aguirre 2, Raflores 2, Biteng 0.

Quarters: 23-12, 41-26, 58-48, 75-65.