SAN BEDA TAKES FIRST WIN AGAINST HOST SCHOOL SAN SEBASTIAN
By Maxine Louise A. Lagman
8 July 2017
DEFENDING CHAMPIONS San Beda Red Lions took home their first win in the opening of the NCAA Season 93 against host school San Sebastian Stags, 76-67, Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“We played good defense, create some steals, we bring back that energy that we had,” said San Beda head coach Boyet Fernandez.
San Beda senior Javee Mocon led the squad claim victory after a staggering 15 points, 13 rebounds and two steals, while rising skipper Robert Bolick took seven of his 15 points in the last quarter to make up from a scoreless third period.
San Sebastian’s Allyn Bulanadi and Regille Ilagan took turns to turn the game around in the third period as they showed grit over the Red Lions, 50-51, but later on lost their charm as the Bolick-Moccon tandem fired up opening the fourth.
Clint Doliguez boosted the team’s energy scoring back-to-back layupsand led the team get away from a 62-all clash.
Despite the efforts done by San Sebastian, they missed numerous chances to score and failed to make a comeback after San Beda’s 12-2 run. Davon Potts shot a booming triple and set the score to 74-64 with only a minute left on the clock.
The Mendiola-based squad had a huge advantage when it comes to rebound, with a record of 52-32 against the Stags.
“If you look at the stats that we had in the FilOil or the other tournament, Baste is limiting their opponents to 68. We’re limiting our opponents to 65. So it’s more of a defensive game today,” added Fernandez.
Red Lion Donald Tankoua, who missed the second round of Season 92 after a tear in his anterior cruciate ligament, came back for his first game and had 10 points and eight rebounds.
“Enjoy this win, but then again, so much more to do, especially the mentality of the players,” said Fernandez.
Michael Calisaan had 13 points for San Sebastian, while Enzo Navarro had 12 points. Ilagan and Bulanadi added 10 points each.
San Beda will face Lyceum on July 14, Friday at 4pm San Juan Arena. While San Sebastian will play the first NCAA on Tour game against Arellano University on July 13, Thursday at the Chief’s homecourt.
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