Stopping Stags star Allyn Bulanadi a priority for red-hot Lions

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Scouting intently at the stands, San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez suddenly had a lightbulb moment when the Letran Knights shackled San Sebastian’s Allyn Bulanadi.

“Most of San Sebastian’s offense come from him (Bulanadi). We have to do something about it,” said Fernandez.

Bulanadi, the tournament’s scoring leader, will be the focal point of their defense as the Red Lions tackle the Stags at the resumption of the NCAA Season 95 men’s basketball tournament Tuesday.

Running third in the MVP race, the high-scoring Bulanadi finished with 20 points, but couldn’t buy a bucket when the Knights tightened the noose during the latter’s 17-point victory over the Stags (7-4) four days ago.

The challenge to restrain Bulanadi would be a team effort for the Red Lions, whose superb defense positioned them in an unbeaten campaign so far as the defending champions go for win No. 13.

“We have to be consistent from start to finish, especially on the defensive end,” said Fernandez.

That effort Fernandez is talking about will fall on the shoulders on top MVP contender Calvin Oftana and Donald Tankoua in the paint and guards Evan Nelle, James Canlas and Clint Doliguez away from the rim where Bulanadi and peppery San Sebastian point guard RK Ilagan usually operate.

Three more victories, including a repeat act on arch nemesis Lyceum Pirates in the second round, will guarantee a top seeding in the Final Four for the Red Lions along with the luxury of a twice-to-beat edge.

“It’s going to be a week of hell as we face tough teams in the our succeeding games,” said Fernandez.

The Knights (8-4) will aim to duplicate their conquest of the Stags as Letran takes on the hard luck College of St. Benilde Blazers in the other game.

Losing five of their last six games, the Blazers (6-5) should find a way to arrest the skid to prevent Mapua overtaking them after the streaking Cardinals (5-6) won five of their last six assignments.

The Cardinals, whose never-say-die attitude emanates from the effective motivation of their coaching staff, hope to sustain the run against the Arellano Chiefs (3-9) during their 4 p.m. skirmish at the Filoil Arena in San Juan.