NCAA: Lions down Knights, keep top spot

MAPUA’S Mark Braña (No. 5) commits a foul while trying to stop Elyzer Paguia of Emilio Aguinaldo. EDWIN BELLOSILLO

SAN BEDA notched a fourth straight win while putting a dent on Letran’s Final Four hopes with a 68-62 triumph last night in the 88th NCAA basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

With guards Baser Amer and Anjo Caram delivering the big plays early in the final period, the Lions built enough cushion to weather the Knights’ last-ditch assault and keep the solo lead with their 10th win in 12 outings.

Amer finished with 11 points and six assists, while Caram knocked in eight points, including a jumper with 4:51 remaining that boosted the Lions, 65-51.

“All the teams have been improving in the second round and its important that we keep our spot on top,” said San Beda coach Ronnie Magsanoc.

Playing with a sense of urgency, Mapua earlier overpowered Emilio Aguinaldo College, 80-55, to arrest a two-game slide and stay in the thick of the fight for a Final Four berth.

The Cardinals got an unexpected lift from Mark Braña while drawing an all-around performance from Josan Nimes as they repeated over the Generals, who struggled to find their rhythm.

“I’ve been waiting for this kind of performance from the team,” said Mapua coach Chito Victolero, after the Cardinals moved up to solo sixth with a 5-7 card. “We have the potential to play this way, but we’ve had problems with chemistry.”

The scores:

First Game

MAPUA 80—Braña 15, Ighalo 12, G. Banal 10, Parala 10, Nimes 9, Saitanan 6, Eriobu 6, J. Banal 6, Magsigay 2, Chien 2, Cantos 2, Abad 0, Stevens 0.

EAC 55—Morada 16, King 11, Happi 9, Paguia 5, Munsayac 4, Yaya 4, Monteclaro 3, Pillas 2, Jamon 1, Tayongtong 0, Acebron 0, Sanchez 0, Chiong 0.

Quarters: 18-13, 43-22, 59-32, 80-55

Second Game:

SAN BEDA 68—Dela Cruz 14, Adeogun 12, Dela Rosa 11, Amer 11, Caram 8, K. Pascual 8, J. Pascual 2, Villaruz 2, Koga 0, Lim 0, Ludovice 0.

LETRAN 62—Racal 14, K. Alas 14, Cruz 11, Cortes 10, Kr. Alas 6, Luib 3, Almazan 2, Belorio 2, Lituania 0, Gabawan 0.

Quarters: 17-21, 43-32, 57-51, 68-62