23 October 2018
By Maxine Louise Lagman
Manila, Philippines – Defending champions San Beda University dominated the NCAA Season 94 men’s basketball tournament as they capped off the elimination round on a high note after defeating University of Perpetual Help, 80-72, on Tuesday at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.
The Red Lions remained at the top seed with a 17-1 slate, while Perpetual places fourth in the standings with an 11-7 win-loss record.
It was a tight game to begin with as both teams tried to outrun each other. San Beda was able to create an eight-point lead in the first half, 38-30.
Kim Aurin led Perpetual in the third quarter and outscored the Red Lions, 28-17, giving them a three-point breather, 58-55.
Javee Mocon and veteran Jeramer Cabanag shot back-to-back baskets to cut the deficit for the Red Lions, but Aurin’s squad never missed a basket as well, which placed the game at a 71-all dreadlock.
With only four minutes in the game, Cabanag knocked down a booming triple that boosted San Beda’s 9-0 run, for an 80-71 lead. Time ran out as San Beda clinched their final win in the elims round.
MVP candidate Donald Tankoua finished with a 23 point, 10 rebound double-double, while Cabanag had 16 markers in the win.
Robert Bolick chipped in 12 points and five boards.
On the other hand, Aurin paved the way for the Altas with 18 points, while Edgar Charcos had 12 markers.
Prince Eze, another MVP candidate, finished with a double-double of 12 points and 12 boards in the losing effort.
The Scores:
SAN BEDA 80 — Tankoua 23, Cabanag 16, Bolick 12, Mocon 9, Presbitero 6, Canlas 6, Doliguez 2, Nelle 2, Oftana 2, Soberano 2, Abuda 0, Carino 0, Eugene 0, Tongco 0.
PERPETUAL 72 — Aurin 18, Charcos 17, Eze 12, Coronel 9, Razon 8, Sese 5, Pasia 3, Cuevas 0, Mangalino 0, Pedrosa 0, Peralta 0, Tamayo 0, Jimenez 0.
Quarter scores: 15-18, 38-30, 55-58, 80-72
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