MANILA, Philippines – San Beda kept its perfect record at the close of eliminations of the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup following a 76-56 clobbering of rival Letran Saturday at the Arena in San Juan.
The Red Lions, who lost the services of Julius Armon following a two-week training in the United States, leaned on an offensive outpour in the second and third quarters to seize total control of the game.
The Red Lions battle St. Benilde in the quarterfinals, which starts on Wednesday, while Letran bowed out of contention for a spot with the loss.
With the sudden departure of Armon, the entire line-up stepped up for San Beda with guard Baser Amer leading the way with 15 points and Rome Dela Rosa adding 13 points.
“It takes them a while to figure out the opponent, but the important thing is that we were able to adjust,” said head coach Ronnie Magsanoc, who replaced Frankie Lim for the post starting this season.
Armon, who provided huge in the offense for the San Beda in the past game, has decided to stay behind in the States.
Letran, on the other hand, just could not keep up with San Beda after staying within striking distance at the end of the first quarter, 15-14, with its star player Kevin Alas struggling with just six markers.
Diminutive starting guard Mark Cruz had 12 points and six rebounds to top score for the Knights, who wrapped up the Pre-Season Cup with a 4-4 card.