Lyceum’s Jeff Santos gets the raw end of this rebound battle against San Beda’s Donald Tankoua, who clamps down on the leather as teammate Evan Nelle looks on. —AUGUST DELA CRUZ
It lacked the tense atmosphere that usually packs coliseums each time both teams played over the last two seasons—for a reason.
San Beda still has an enviable roster that makes it a title favorite while Lyceum is still finding its identity with the graduation of its enigmatic star.
The Red Lions cruised to an 88-73 victory over the Pirates, stretching their unbeaten start to seven games Tuesday night in the 95th NCAA men’s basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Centre.
“It was a total team effort,” said San Beda mentor Boyet Fernandez.
San Beda has actually won its last 21 matches, counting from last season. Among those wins were victories over the Pirates, the only group that has managed to push the Lions over the last two seasons.
But with star CJ Perez migrating to the pro ranks, Lyceum has yet to flash the fearsome form that brought it to two championship showdowns against San Beda.
Earlier, Perpetual Help gave interim coach Myk Saguiguit his first victory, 88-87, over Emilio Aguinaldo College.
“We needed this win very badly and the boys really worked hard for it,” said Saguiguit in Filipino. The Altas drew 11 points and 13 rebounds from Ben Adamos for just their third win in eight starts.
Perpetual was without coach Frankie Lim, who was reportedly placed on leave after the team’s brutal 102-56 beatdown at the hands of San Beda last week.
San Sebastian also survived a squeaker against Letran, leaning on Ken Villapando’s winning basket in a 102-101 overtime triumph.
Villapando’s heroics were necessitated by the Stags’ inability to control the game. San Sebastian blew a 17-point lead before snapping its slide.
“The boys just really wanted to win,” said San Sebastian assistant coach Melo Banua, filling in for head coach Egay Macaraya, who was serving a one-game suspension.
RK Ilagan led San Sebastian, which leveled its record to 3-3, with 22 points while Allyn Bulanadi added 21 points.
The Stags fended off a wrecking ball performance by big man Larry Muyang, who kept Letran afloat with 32 points and 18 rebounds. Muyang also sent the game into overtime with two free throws with 16.1 seconds left in regulation.
Calvin Oftana also came through with big numbers for San Beda, knocking down 20 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Donald Tankoua added 19 points and six boards.
Cameroonian Mike Nzeusseu had 18 points and nine rebounds for Lyceum, which dropped to 6-2. —MARK GIONGCO, INQUIRER.NET