San Beda stepped on the gas pedal early and blew Mapua out, 66-55, to nab its sixth win in the NCAA Season 93 men’s basketball tournament Friday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
Coming off a week-long break, the Red Lions imposed their will early and raced to a 23-6 charge in the first period, pulling away from the Cardinals and grabbing a lead as high as 25, 49-24, late in the third quarter.
Donald Tankoua made a living in the paint for the Red Lions, grabbing 11 points and 16 rebounds for his best game so far.
Meanwhile, Bong Quinto drilled the go-ahead layup in the waning seconds to lift Letran to a thrilling 63-61 win over Perpetual Help.
Quinto shrugged off an inadvertent elbow from Prince Eze and scored off an assist from Rey Nambatac to push the Knights up, 63-61, with 12.6 seconds to spare.
In the other game, Michael Calisaan dropped 20 points as San Sebastian blasted St. Benilde, 101-71, for a 3-3 card.