San Beda’s James Kwekuteye during a game against Arellano in the NCAA Season 98 men’s basketball tournament. NCAA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—San Beda posted its second straight win after thrashing Arellano, 76-63, in the second round of the NCAA Season 98 men’s basketball tournament at San Juan Arena on Wednesday.
The Red Lions, who beat Emilio Aguinaldo College in their last game on October 25, improved to 8-4 for third place.
James Kwekuteye tallied a game-high 16 points for the Red Lions while JB Bahio registered a double-double with 10 points and 14 rebounds. Justine Sanchez also scored 10.
After a close first half, San Beda pulled away in the third quarter where it outscored Arellano, 29-14, thanks in large part to its defense.
“Of course, I have to give it to the players. They made it difficult for Doromal and the others [to score]. That will always be our calling card, make stops,” said coach Yuri Escueta, whose squad also blew out Arellano, 96-61, in their first-round encounter last October 7.
The Chiefs, who tripped to a 5-7 card, had a hard time on the offensive end with a 33 percent clip from the field.
Axel Doromal finished with 12 points for Arellano but only made three of his 12 tries from the field while Wilmar Oftana and Lars Sunga had 11 and 10, respectively.
The Scores:
SAN BEDA 76 — Kwekuteye 16, Bahio 10, Sanchez 10, Cortez 7, Alfaro 6, Payosing 6, Cuntapay 6, Tagala 5, Andrada 4, Ynot 2, Visser 2, Jopia 1, Cometa 1, Alloso 0, Tagle 0.
ARELLANO 63 — Doromal 12, Oftana 11, Sunga 10, Mallari 9, Mantua 8, Advincula 5, Oliva 3, Talampas 3, Tan 2, Domingo 0, Tolentino 0, Antonio 0, Ongotan 0, Menina 0.
Quarters: 15-13, 34-31, 63-45, 76-63.