Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
San Beda showed no mercy in dealing with the Philippines’ future basketball representatives after bullying the Gilas Cadets, 91-70, in the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup Sunday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
The third-seeded Red Lions improved to 2-1 in Group A while the Cadets dwell at the bottom with a 0-3 card.
San Beda sprung to a commanding 78-47 lead after Calvin Oftana scored on a layup at the 6:28 mark of the fourth.
“Gilas is a strong team, they have athletic players who are aggressive in rebounding the ball and we can’t allow Gilas to get the rebounds,” said Red Lions head coach Boyet Fernandez. “If we prevent them from getting the rebounds we will get the win.”
Fernandez’ words became the mantra for the Red Lions as they shoved and pushed the Cadets underneath the basket to get a 51-33 rebounding advantage.
Although the Cadets managed to trim the lead to 18, 80-62, the Red Lions were quick to weather things down when Javee Mocon gave San Beda an 88-65 lead with 1:42 left in the game.
James Canlas led San Beda with 16 points while Donald Tankoua finished with a 13-point, 13-rebound double-double.
Carl Tamayo had 13 points and six rebounds to lead the Cadets while Kobe Paras added 11 points and five boards.