NCAA: San Beda dumps JRU for 2-0 start

MANILA, Philippines—Defending champion San Beda got off to a hot start and never looked back to demolish Jose Rizal University, 74-52, in the NCAA Season 95 men’s basketball tournament at the Filoil Arena on Friday.

Calvin Oftana and James Kwekuteye set the tone for the unbeaten Red Lions’ second straight victory with timely baskets in the first two quarters, allowing them to build a double-digit advantage that they protected until the end.

But it was the superb playmaking chores of Evan Nelle that really made the difference after the second-year guard dished out 11 assists in the first half.

With the 5-foot-9 Nelle generating offense for his teammates, the Lions finished the half comfortably ahead, 45-31, which the Heavy Bombers found no answer that led to their second straight defeat.

San Beda 74—Kwekuteye 17, Oftana 17, Bahio 11, Doliguez 7, Tankoua 6, Soberano 6, Nelle 5, Abuda 4, Carino 2, Etrata 0, Alfaro 0, Obenza 0, Cuntapay 0, Visser 0.
JRU 52—Dionisio 13, Dela Rosa 11, Vasquez 9, Amores 8, Steinl 6, Jungco 2, Aguilar 2, Abaoag 1, Dela Virgen 0, Arenal 0, Macatangay 0.
Quarters: 21-10, 45-31, 66-43, 74-52