MANILA – San Beda University Red Lions kicked off its four-peat bid with a convincing 59-46 victory over the Arellano University Chiefs in the NCAA Season 95 men’s seniors basketball on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Donald Tankoua tallied double-double 13 points and 12 rebounds, while James Canlas added 10 points, seven rebounds and two assists for the defending champions Red Lions.
From a low scoring, tightly-contested first half, the Red Lions broke away in the third period behind Tankoua, Canlas and Evan Nelle to grab a 43-35 lead entering the payoff period.
“It’s really tough to play in the opening day. But we’re happy that we got this one. We’re worried about the situation with the opening ceremonies and playing Arellano, but the players really stepped up,” said Red Lions head coach Boyet Fernandez.
Kent Salado was held to just five points in the second half as he had 18 points and 11 rebounds in his NCAA comeback after an ACL injury kept him away from Arellano for almost two years.
Meanwhile, Lyceum Pirates leaned on the exploits of twins Jaycee and Jayvee Marcelino to score a come-from-behind 84-80 victory over Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights.
From a seesaw battle in the first three quarters, the Knights were on top 76-71 late in the fourth but the Pirates went on a rampage behind Jayvee Marcelino to escape with the victory.
Jaycee scattered 24 points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals while Jayvee added 18 points, six rebounds, and two assists for the Pirates. Jerrick Balanzapaced Letran with 24 points, six rebounds, and five assists./PN
