Defending champion San Beda got its title retention bid running with a 71-61 victory over National University in the 2018 Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup Sunday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
Javee Mocon led the Red Lions in the win with 12 points, three rebounds, and two assists, while JB Bahio got things done in the paint with his 10 points and five boards.
Cameroonian big man Donald Tankoua and James Canlas both had nine.
“We have been working on our individual defense and it worked when we stopped their scoring at 61 points,” said coach Boyet Fernandez.
San Beda was able to pull through with the win despite the absence of lead guard Robert Bolick, who is still recovering from his knee injury.
Neophyte John Lloyd Clemente led NU with his 13 points and three rebounds, while Dave Ildefonso tallied 10 points, two boards, and two assists in his Bulldogs debut.
The Scores:
SAN BEDA 71 — Mocon 12, Bahio 10, Canlas 9, Tankoua 9, Nelle 7, Soberano 6, Abuda 4, Oftana 4, Presbitero 2, Cuntapay 2, Toba 2, Cabanag 0, Doliguez 0, Tongco 0.
NU 61 — Clemente 13, D. Ildefonso 10, Gaye 9, Aquino 6, Gallego 6, Diputado 5, Menina 4, S. Ildefonso 2, Joson 2, Galinato 2, Tibayan 2, Mosqueda 0, Yu 0, Oczon 0, Mangayaom 0.
Quarters: 14-12, 37-30, 55-48, 71-61.