San Beda stretches streak to 12, clinches twice-to-beat

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

San Beda secured a twice-to-beat advantage in the playoffs as they fought off a tough stand from Arellano, 83-72, Thursday in the NCAA Season 93 men’s basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Centre.

Robert Bolick flirted with a triple-double as he fired 13 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds, including the last four points for the Red Lions to finally put the Chiefs away.

Javee Mocon registered 14 markers, seven boards, and five assists, while Jeramer Cabanag posted a career-best 14 points, six of which coming in the fourth quarter, to go with two rebounds.

Donald Tankoua also added 11 markers and five boards in the win.

Coach Boyet Fernandez is glad to keep San Beda’s 12-game winning streak rolling, but warned his players of complacency, especially as it prepares for its final eliminations assignment against Lyceum and the Final Four.

“As what I’ve always said to my players, we only have to take good care of ourselves. We cannot pray for other teams to lose, other teams to win. All we have to do is take care of ourselves and win our games. Whatever will be the result, we’re always ready and prepared,” he said.

The Red Lions had a hard time shaking off the desperate Chiefs in the game as Arellano cut the deficit to as low as four, 67-63 with 7:34 remaining.

But Cabanag and AC Soberano commandeered San Beda’s 9-0 blast to restore order and take a 13-point lead, 76-63, with 5:31 to play.

Kent Salado paced Arellano (5-9) with 17 points, three assists, and two rebounds, but his efforts weren’t enough as the Chiefs lost three of their last four games.

Michael Cañete and Kraniel Viloria both had 15 markers in the defeat.

The Scores:

SAN BEDA 83 – Cabanag 14, Mocon 14, Bolick 13, Tankoua 11, Noah 7, Soberano 7, Adamos 4, Abuda 3, Doliguez 3, Potts 3, Bahio 2, Cariño 2, Tongco 0.

ARELLANO 72 – Salado 17, Cañete 15, Viloria 15, Flores 6, Dela Cruz 5, Concepcion 3, Meca 3, Nicholls 3, Taywan 3, Enriquez 2, Abanes 0, Alcoriza 0.

Quarters: 21-17, 43-40, 61-55, 83-72.