MANILA – San Beda University Red Lions bagged its third consecutive crown by subduing the Lyceum Pirates, 71-56, in Game 2 of the NCAA Season 94 men’s basketball finals at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Jayvee Mocon finished his collegiate career with 16 points and 11 rebounds.
On the other hand, Robert Bolick struggled in his final game with the Red Lions with four points but submitted 12 assists.
Ilonggo Clint Doliguez came up with a season-best 14 points, mostly in the critical fourth quarter, while Donald Tankoua chipped in with double-double 13 points and 16 boards.
Overall, this is the Red Lions’ 22nd NCAA title.
“Masaya ako,” said Red Lions head coach Boyet Fernandez. “Nagpapasalamat talaga ako sa lahat ng players. Kung hindi dahil sa kanila, hindi kami magti-three-peat.”
Red Lions waxed hot early in the match with triples from Mocon, James Kwekuteye and Amiel Soberano for a 23-15 lead.
After establishing a 10-point edge in the second period, the Pirates were able to cut it to 39-33 at the half.
Both teams struggled in the third period. The Pirates outscored the Red Lions, 11-10, for a 44-49 deficit before the Red Lions got a run early in the fourth behind Tankoua and Doliguez to stretch the lead to its largest at 20 points.
“Actually, it’s really the product of preparation and scouting,” Fernandez said. “We have always been there during the LPU games. I want to see how coach Topex [Robinson] adjusts and how the players play.”
He added: “We played man because I believe we are a good defending team. We want to give LPU a different look just to get them out of their comfort zone. We wanted to limit CJ (Perez) to have a good chance of winning.”
Perez marked his return from suspension with 19 points, six rebounds and four assists, while Jaycee Marcelino and Mike Nzeusseu added 13 and 11 point, respectively, for the Pirates./PN
