Lions, Altas log key wins

SAN BEDA pounced on a listless Mapua squad, 65-41, yesterday for its eighth straight victory that assured the Lions of at least a playoff for the top seed in the Final Four of the 88th NCAA basketball tournament at Subic Gym.

Ferocious on both ends of the floor, the defending champion Lions pulled away from an 11-all deadlock on their way to eliminating the Cardinals from the postseason for the fourth straight season.

Ola Adeogun, Anjo Caram and Baser Amer combined for close to half of the Lions’ output, while helping stifle the Cardinals to an atrocious 16-of-72 shooting from the field.

Red Lions coach Ronnie Magsanoc was satisfied with the defensive effort against the Cardinals, who barely avoided posting the lowest output in the league this season.

“It’s all about the boys playing tough defense,” said Magsanoc said. “Mapua is a very solid team, we were able to contain their key players.”

Caram contributed 10 points, while Baser Amer dished out a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds on top of five assists and two steals for San Beda.

No Mapua player registered twin digits, as Josan Nimes and Darrel Magsigay finished with eight points apiece.

Later, Perpetual Help repulsed Lyceum, 64-53, last night to boost its Final Four drive.

The Altas needed a strong performance from Justin Alano and Anthony Paulino in the fourth quarter as they bounced back from the loss to Mapua and notch their 10th win.

Perpetual Help’s victory effectively snuffed out hopes of Emilio Aguinaldo to steal one of the three last Final Four slots.

The scores:

First Game

SAN BEDA 65—Adeogun 12, Amer 10, Caram 10, Dela Rosa 9, Pascual J. 6, Pascual K. 6, Dela Cruz 4, Lim 3, Ludovice 3, Koga 2, Bonsubre 0, Villaruz 0.

MAPUA 41—Magsigay 8, Nimes 8, Parala 6, Banal J. 5, Eriobu 5, Ighalo 4, Banal G. 3, Abad 2, Braña 0, Cantos 0, Estrella 0, Layug 0, Saitanan 0.

Quarters: 17-11, 36-17, 49-25, 65-41

Second Game

PERPETUAL HELP 64—Thompson 15, Allen 15, Alano 14, Arboleda 9, Vidal 7, Paulino 2, Omorogbe 2, Asuncion 0, Jolangcob 0, Elopre 0.

LYCEUM 53—Ko 19, Zamora 10, Mallari 8, Edding 7, Martinez 5, Pascual 4, Ambohot 0, Azores 0, Alanes 0.

Quarters: 12-20, 28-25, 53-45, 64-53