Red Lions feast on Knights

FILE – San Beda coach Jamike Jarin at the Red Lions’ bench. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

SAN BEDA made Letran’s championship romp last year real tough. But this season, the Red Lions wanted the Knights to feel that defending a title could be even tougher.

Parading a new bunch of potential stars, the Lions found an answer to the Knights’ persistent rallies to hack out an 89-85 triumph at the start of Season 92 of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.

“Every time we’re up against them, we’re motivated to win,” forward Jayvee Mocon said of the Lions’ rival Knights, who spoiled San Beda’s bid for an unprecedented sixth straight crown last year.

Mocon, San Beda’s emerging go-to guy, took charge early in the Lions’ bid of spoiling the Knights’ hopeful start with new Letran coach Jeff Napa.

The Lions powered their way to double-digit leads, 42-29, in the first half, before fending off the Knights’ comeback efforts in the closing quarters that tied the match at 60.

“We were controlling the entire game, we made mistakes, [Letran] took advantage of it, so we had to pay for that,” said San Beda coach Jamike Jarin. “We need to learn from that.”

Mapua triumphs

Mapua also emerged triumphant in another thriller with a 74-71 decision over Jose Rizal University in the second game.

Reigning Most Valuable Player Allwell Oraeme dropped a game-high 24 points—including a crucial basket that cushioned the Cardinals’ lead, 73-69—on top of 17 rebounds and four blocks.

“I thank the players for their big heart,” said Mapua coach Atoy Co. “Up to the end, they did not give up even though we did not play our usual game.”

The Lions also showed resilience with rookie Filipino-American big man Davon Potts and Radge Tongco stepping up to backstop Mocon in the second half.

“I’m constantly told that I’m just a piece of the puzzle,” said Potts, who debuted with 16 points, nine coming in the fourth quarter. “Everything I do is contributing to the team’s success.”

Mocon topscored with 18 points, while Roldan Sara collected 14 points, eight rebounds and three assists for the Lions.

Letran put up a fight minus the core that keyed the championship as the Knights lost coach Aldin Ayo to La Salle and veterans Mark Cruz and Kevin Racal to graduation.

But Jarin was quick to remind that the Lions also lost several veterans to graduation, including big guns Ola Adeogun, Baser Amer and Art dela Cruz.

“They lost two of their best players but we lost our [starting five],” said Jarin. “For 40 minutes, we were inconsistent. Right now, a win is a win.”

The new season fired off with a spectacular dance and acrobatic number. Singer Ogie Alcasid also performed his original composition.

Also highlighting the opening show was the jersey retirement ceremony of the late great Carlos “Caloy” Loyzaga, who also had a stellar NCAA run with back-to-back championships with San Beda in 1951 and 1952.

The score:

First Game

SAN BEDA 89—Mocon 18, Potts 16, Sara 14, Tankoua 13, Tongco 9, Bolick 7, Noah 4, Presbiterio 3, Navarro 2, Soberano 2, Bonsubre 1, Adamos 0, Alas 0, Carlos 0, Optana 0.

LETRAN 85—Quinto 23, Nambatac 18, Calvo 13, Sollano Balanza 8, Appreku 7, Luib 5, Balagasay 0, Dela Peña 0, Pambid 0, Sario 0.

Quarters: 27-17, 45-36, 62-60, 89-85

Second Game

MAPUA 74—Oraeme 24, Isit 17, Estrella 10, Victoria 8, Menina 5, Eriobu 3, Magboo 3, Orquina 2, Serrano 2, Biteng 0, Raflores 0.

JRU 71—Pontejos 16, Teodoro 13, Poutouochi 8, Goropse 7, Dela Paz 5, Abdul Wahab 4, Cruz 4, Lasquety 4, Mendoza 4, Dela Virgen 3, Evardo 3, Dada 0.

Quarters: 12-20, 36-38, 59-58, 74-71