26 July 2019
By Maxine Louise Lagman
MANILA, Philippines – The three-time defending champs San Beda Red Lions continues their perfect winning streak after defeating San Sebastian College-Recoletos, 73-59, in the NCAA Season 95 men’s basketball tournament, Friday at Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.
“We’re really excited playing against Baste, we know San Sebastian is a really strong team. Winning this game gives a lot of confidence for the boys,” said San Beda head coach Boyet Fernandez. He added that he will give his squad a three-day rest before moving forward in their games against College of St. Benilde, Mapua then Letran.
The Stags gave the Red Lions a hard time, leading most in the first half for a 35-32 advantage, and kept San Beda controlled coming into the second half.
However, just when they thought San Beda was under their control at 50-48, Calvin Oftana knocked down a booming triple, followed by a layup from Clint Doliguez to take a 60-50 lead in the last 3:20 minutes of the game.
San Beda proved too strong to take down as Evan Nelle capped off another run with two treys for a 70-54 lead, 1:14 left.
Nelle finished with a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double, along with four assists and a steal. Donald Tankoua and James Canlas added 14 markers each, while Oftana almost had a triple-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and seven steals.
The Stags, on the other hand, suffered their second straight loss for a 2-2 slate. Allyn Bulanadi led with 15 markers, while Alvin Capobres and Arjan Dela Cruz combined for 25 points.
The Scores:
San Beda 73 — Nelle 14, Tankoua 14, Canlas 14, Oftana 10, Doliguez 8, Noah 6, Soberano 3, Bahio 2, Abuda 1, Cuntapay 1, Etrata 0, Visser 0, Obenza 0, Carino 0.
San Sebastian 59 — Bulanadi 15, Capobres 13, Dela Cruz 12, Calma 6, Altamirano 4, Ilagan 3, Sumoda 2, Villapando 2, Desoyo 2, Tero 0, Cosari 0, Calahat 0.
Quarterscores: 16-19, 32-35, 48-45, 73-59.
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