FILE – Donald Tankoua. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—San Beda flipped the switch in the third quarter to blast La Salle, 74-57, and retain the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup title Sunday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
Trailing at the half, the Red Lions outscored the Green Archers, 24-7, in the pivotal third period led by James Canlas, Donald Tankoua and Evan Nelle.
“At halftime, we talked about our tempo of the ball game. In the first half, we kept rushing our shots. I just told them we just have to contain our emotions, make stops then execute,” said San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez.
The Lions swept the tournament at 10-0, a feat they also pulled off in 2017.
Tankoua led all scorers with 17 while Canlas added 15 points and seven rebounds. Nelle finished with four points and 10 assists.
San Beda went on a 16-2 run to open the third quarter then kept its foot on the gas pedal in the final frame as La Salle never recovered.
Encho Serrano had 12 points and six rebounds for the Archers.