Oftana helps keep Lions undefeated

How do you find your niche in a San Beda squad that features graduating veteran Donald Tankoua and “bandana” boys Evan Nelle and James Kwekuteye?

If you’re Calvin Oftana, you provide valuable inside presence when games become a physical battle for possession, just like it did for the Red Lions on Friday.

Oftana extended several possessions for San Beda, which overpowered San Sebastian Stags, 73-59, and stayed unbeaten after four outings in the NCAA Season 95 men’s basketball tournament.

“I don’t only have Donald and the bandana boys to lean on, I also have Oftana and he showed it today,” San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez said. “I told him (Oftana) that he has to be patient. When his time comes, I know he will be ready.”

Oftana had 10 points around the rim, but what made him extra special on Friday was his ability to battle for rebounds—he had 10 in the game—including a bunch on the offensive end.

The athletic 6-foot-5 inside operator from Dumaguete City also dished out seven assists, assembling a complete game for the Red Lions against the Stags.

“I always double my efforts to improve every game. Everybody is telling me that this is my season and that I have to step up playing at four,” Oftana said in Filipino.

For the second straight outing, the Stags (2-2) fumbled with star point guard RK Ilagan again failing to find his range.

Mike Nzeusseu rediscovered his lethal form while shooting guard Ralph Tansingco showed up for the Lyceum Pirates, who crushed the Jose Rizal Heavy Bombers, 95-77, in the other game.

Meanwhile, Kent Salado’s energy rubbed off on his teammates as the Arellano Chiefs finally grabbed a win, 86-77, at the expense of the Emilio Aguinaldo Generals.