San Beda’s Pierre Tankoua. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
San Beda pushed back upset-looking Adamson University, 86-81, to hold on to its fifth win in the Filoil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup Thursday at San Juan Arena.
A strong third quarter propelled the Red Lions to a 69-58 lead as they closed the period on a 21-9 run.
Adamson, though, responded in the fourth with a 21-13 dash to cut the Red Lion lead to four, 85-81, but it was a little too late for the for the Falcons as they slipped to a 3-3 record.
Red Lions head coach Jamike Jarin used his bench primarily in the fourth quarter even in the middle of the Falcons’ run, earning the ire of one San Beda alumnus in the crowd.
“I want to expose the players and this is the opportunity for them to experience such close games,” said Jarin whose team now holds a 5-1 record. “You are trying to build their character, yung fighting character, hindi mo naman masisimulate sa practice yun, masisimulate mo yun dito.”
Donald Tankoua played just 26 minutes, but finished with 21 points and 15 rebounds while AC Soberano added 10 points.
Robbie Manalang had 18 points and seven rebounds while Papi Sarr had a 16-point, 18-rebound double-double for Adamson.