Red Lions topple Green Archers

Robert Bolick tormented his former team as San Beda toppled De La Salle, 82-80, in a battle of collegiate champions Sunday night, while Far Eastern U continued its unbeaten start in the Filoil Flying V Premier Cup.

Bolick, who rode the La Salle bench for two seasons, dished out an all-around game of 27 points, nine rebounds and six assists, but it was Javee Mocon who nailed what turned out to be the game winning basket with 44 seconds remaining as San Beda improved to 3-0 in the preseason tournament at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Far Eastern U rolled to a fourth straight victory with a 99-84 drubbing of Mapua, while Adamson overcame a stubborn University of the Philippines, 58-50, to clinch a quarterfinal berth with a 6-1 slate.

Later, Jose Rizal U raised its record to 5-2 with a 61-55 triumph over University of Santo Tomas.

La Salle, the reigning UAAP titlist, trailed 76-82 after Mocon’s basket, but Ben Mbala completed a three-point play and Aljun Melecio split his free throws to cut the deficit to two points.

After San Beda was called for a five second violation, La Salle had one final possession to tie or win the game, but Melecio missed a triple and Ricci Rivero misfired on the follow-up, allowing the NCAA champion to escape with the victory.
La Salle dropped to 4-2 with both losses coming against NCAA teams, including Jose Rizal U in the tournament opener.

“We just caught a big fish tonight,” said San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez. “We’re just happy we got this one. We know it’s still far, but again, there’s so much pride at stake in this game. Winning this one, it gives us a confidence booster.”

Fernandez paid tribute to Bolick who also played a key role in San Beda’s return to the throne last season

“Credit to this guy, he stepped up tonight,” said Fernandez of Bolick. “He wanted to prove something. That’s the game of Robert, the penetration and making his teammates look good. Hopefully, he will continue to guide this team.”