NCAA: San Beda rips Benilde, clinches playoff for Final 4 bonus

San Beda took another step closer to a title repeat after making quick work of College of St. Benilde, 77-55, in the NCAA Season 94 men’s basketball tournament Thursday at Filoil Flying V Centre.

The Red Lions’ dominant victory earned them a 14-1 record and gave them at least a playoff for a twice-to-beat advantage come the Final Four.

The Blazers, meanwhile, dropped to an 8-7 record putting them two games behind no.4 University of Perpetual Help, which holds a 10-5 card.

Red Lions head coach Boyet Fernandez said he was wary of the Blazers who are also fighting for their spot in the top four.

“We really had doubts in this game because we all know CSB have its back against the wall and needed to win this game to stay close to the top four,” said Fernandez.

“But we also need to step our game up because we need to fortify our position for the top two and that is our goal to get a twice-to-beat advantage.”

The Red Lions didn’t disappoint their head coach and immediately took care of business as early as the first half, building a 37-22 lead heading into the break and never looking back.

Robert Bolick led the defending champions with 19 points and four assists.

Donald Tankoua took care of the big boy duties with a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double while Javee Mocon wasn’t far behind with 13 points and eight boards for the Red Lions.

Clement Leutcheu had 12 points and 13 rebounds for the Blazers.