Robert Bolick of San Beda for a layup as Armand Noah and Zach Nichols of Arellano U looks on , at the Filoil arena ,
INQUIRER PHOTO/AUGUST DELA CRUZ
Now that it has sealed a twice-to-beat bonus in the Final Four in NCAA Season 93, San Beda is setting its sights on payback against Lyceum.
That second-round clash happens on Oct. 19, but the Red Lions, who asserted their mastery of Arellano University, 83-72, on Thursday, have the Pirates on their crosshairs.
“The games we have right now will be preparation for Lyceum,” said San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez. “LPU is doing great. I will try to find ways to stop LPU.”
The Pirates are on a 14-game winning run, with the Lions just a game behind with a 13-1 slate after rolling to a 12th straight win at the expense of the Chiefs, who kept the game close before fading in the final period at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
Jeramer Cabanag came up with a breakout game, finishing with 14 points to match Jayvee Mocon’s output, while Robert Bolick and Donald Tankoua contributed 13 and 11 points, respectively.
“They really prepared for us today,” said Fernandez, referring to the Chiefs, who came within 63-67 early in the fourth period, before the Lions dropped a 9-0 run to put away the contest. “It’s really our individual defense that worried me today.”
The Lions nailed a twice-to-beat bonus for the 12th season running, but Fernandez hopes they can still finish the elimination round in the top spot, while preventing the Pirates from completing an 18-game sweep.
“As what I’ve always said to my players, we only have to take good care of ourselves,” said Fernandez. “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. We have to take care of ourselves because we have to play LPU on October 19.”
The Chiefs dropped to 5-9 and although they are still mathematically in the Final Four race, coach Jerry Codiñera’s squad can no longer afford to drop games.
Earlier, Mapua University snapped an 11-game slide, while eliminating College of St. Benilde out of the Final Four race with a 79-69 victory.
The Cardinals notched only their second win of the season after pulling away from a 69-all deadlock.
Laurenz Victoria paced the Cardinals with 19 points and issued seven assists.
It was the Cardinals’ first win since stunning Letran, 78-75, last July 11.
“What can I say, it’s been a long time,” said Mapua coach Atoy Co.