MANILA, Philippines–San Beda’s tendency to loosen up after building a large advantage almost had the Red Lions tasting their first defeat of the season.
Good thing Donald Tankoua salvaged the Red Lions from suffering a blow in a 73-66 victory over the Arellano Chiefs on Friday night in the NCAA Season 95 men’s basketball tourrnament.
The defending champions rose to 11-0 but not after wasting a 16-point lead nearly erased by Arellano’s scoring trio of Gelo Sablan, Kent Salado and pivotman Justin Arana.
When the Chiefs came within one in the closing minutes, Tankoua just took the initiative of saving his team from disgrace by scoring eight of San Beda’s last 13 points.
Tankoua muscled his way to 20 points on nine of 14 shooting on top of nine rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Chief absorbed their ninth loss in 11 games.