NCAA: San Beda sends Letran to 3-way tie for 4th seed

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

San Beda came through in the clutch and defeated rival Letran, 73-68, in the NCAA Season 93 men’s basketball tournament Friday at Filoil Flying V Centre.

The Red Lions mounted an 11-2 game-closing run to take a 72-65 lead with 1:12 remaining in the fourth with Robert Bolick scoring four points in the charge.

The defending champions improved to 16-1 and continued their winning streak to 15 games while the Knights dropped to 8-9, tying Arellano U and San Sebastian at the fourth spot.

“It’s a rivalry game, we have to win this game to prepare us against Lyceum on our final game,” said Red Lions head coach Boyet Fernandez. “I commend Calvin [Oftana] for giving us a good start and Robert [Bolick] did a good job in the end.”

Oftana’s seven points in the first period helped the Red Lions get a 21-14 edge in the first 10 minutes.

Donald Tankoua, though, was the high-point man for San Beda with 15 points to go along eight boards while Oftana and Bolick had 13 points apiece.

Bong Quinto led the Knights with 18 points and 10 rebounds while Jerrick Balanza had 16 points.

Rey Nambatac struggled against the defense of Bolick as he put up just eight points on 3-of-13 shooting.