San Beda closes in on NCAA title, tops Arellano anew
San Beda’s Robert Bolick. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
San Beda eked out a gutsy 88-85 victory over Arellano to draw first blood in the NCAA Season 92 men’s basketball Finals Thursday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Robert Bolick once again shined for the Red Lions, firing 24 points and 10 rebounds, including the insurance freebies to seal the victory with 3.7 seconds left to play.
The Red Lions continued their mastery of the Chiefs, beating them for the fourth time this season.
READ: Jarin expects fast-paced Finals duel between San Beda, Arellano
The win inched San Beda closer to reclaiming the throne and claiming its ninth title in 11 years. Game 2 is on Tuesday, still at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“It’s going to be our hardest game. We will be ready.”
San Beda led by 13, 62-49, in the third period but had to weather a tough rally from Arellano, which tasted the lead numerous times, the last coming from a Lervin Flores undergoal stab with 2:07 to go.
Arellano, though, couldn’t score down the stretch as Bolick finished the fastbreak to give his side an 86-85 lead with 1:16 remaining.
READ: Lions, Chiefs start hunt for NCAA crown
The Chiefs were given one last chance to take the lead, but Dioncee Holts muffed his trey as Bolick canned his freebies in the closing seconds.
Ben Adamos had 16 markers and seven boards, while Arnaud Noah had 14 points and seven rebounds.
Team captain Dan Sara also just missed out on a triple-double with his six markers, 13 boards, and 11 assists.
READ: Bolick shines as key cog in San Beda’s title bid
Even with one hand already holding the trophy, Jarin knows it’s going to be even harder to close out the Chiefs in the next game.
“It’s going to be our hardest game. We will be ready,” he said.
Jiovani Jalalon struggled in the game despite finishing with 21 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals. He also had to fight through cramps after tying the game at 80 midway in the fourth before returning with 2:41 left.
Kent Salado had 19 markers and six assists, while Donald Gumaru got 10 in the loss.
The Scores
SAN BEDA 88 – Bolick 24, Adamos 16, Noah 14, Potts 11, Sara 6, Mocon 6, Presbitero 6, Soberano 3, Oftana 2, Tongco 0.
ARELLANO 85 – Jalalon 21, Salado 19, Gumaru 10, Holts 8, Meca 7, Nicholls 5, Villoria 5, Flores 4, Cadavis 4, Aguilar 2, Enriquez 0, Canete 0.
Quarters: 28-20, 54-49, 70-69, 88-86.
