Potts lifts Lions; Knights stagger

INQUIRER.net PHOTO/TRISTAN TAMAYO

IT TOOK three years for San Beda to convince Davon Potts to play for the Red Lions.

Just six games into his rookie season, Potts—who was recruited from Los Angeles, California—is proving he’s worth the wait.

Potts exploded for 31 points, including 20 in the second half, as the Lions fought back from a 22-point hole to subdue the Arellano Chiefs, 101-86, last night and extend their unbeaten start to six games in the 92nd NCAA basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

“They welcomed me with open arms ever since I came in,” said Potts, who played for US NCAA Division 2 team California State University before transferring to the Mendiola-based school.

Pushed to the limit for the first time this season, the Lions responded with a performance reminiscent of the years when they dominated the league.

The 23-year-old Potts, who traces his roots in Cavite, knocked in five straight points to give the Lions an 81-75 lead and stun the Chiefs, who led 36-14 early in the game.

Earlier, Mapua bounced back from its first loss of the season, whipping San Sebastian, 88-75, to keep second spot, while Perpetual Help, starring Bright Akhuetie, stunned defending champion Letran, 61-55. With reports from Delfin Dioquino, Miguel de Leon, Philip Matel

The scores:

First Game

PERPETUAL HELP 61—Akhuetie 21, Dagangon 14, Coronel 13, Pido 7, Dizon 2, Singontiko 2, Eze 2, Hao 0.

LETRAN 55—Nambatac 19, Calvo 12, Apreku 6, Sollano 6, Quinto 6, Pambid 4, Dela Pena 2, Luib 0.

Quarters: 9-6, 26-27, 44-46, 61-55

Second Game

MAPUA 88—Biteng 19, Menina 15, Estrella 14, Oraeme 13, Eriobu 12, Isit 7, Serrano 6, Orquina 2, Aguirre 0, Bunag 0, Victoria 0.

SAN SEBASTIAN 75—Mercado 18, Ilagan 17, Calisaan 9, Quipse 7, Capobres 6, Valdez 6, Fabian 5, Johnson 5, Bulunadi 2, Baetiong 0.

Quarters: 20-20, 51-42, 64-53, 88-75

Third Game

SAN BEDA 101—Potts 31, Tankoua 28, Tongco 12, Noah 8, Presbitero 6, Soberano 6, Bolick 5, Sara 3, Mocon 1, Oftana 1, Alas 0, Carlos 0, Navarro 0.

ARELLANO 86—Jalalon 25, Salado 16, Enriquez 12, Flores 10, Meca 7, Cadavis 6, Holts 4, Aguilar 3, Gumaru 3, Canete 0, Nicholls 0.

Quarters: 10-19, 37-47, 72-72, 101-86