MANILA, Philippines—Defending champion San Beda extended its perfect run to 16 games after ripping Mapua apart, 83-55, in the NCAA Season 95 men’s basketball tournament Friday at Filoil Flying V Center.
The Red Lions maintained their royal status atop the league with a 16-0 record while the Cardinals dropped their second straight game to a 7-8 card.
San Beda held a comfortable 38-28 lead at the end of the first half but went into hunting mode in the third, outscoring the Cardinals 21-9 in the penultimate frame for a commanding 59-37 buffer heading into the final quarter.
James Kwkuteye led all scorers with 16 points and 10 rebounds while Calvin Oftana added 15 points and seven boards.
Evan Nelle orchestrated the offense for San Beda with 14 points and eight assists while AC Soberano added 12 points.
Noah Lugo had 14 points and 10 boards for Mapua.