MANILA – John Bismarck Lina made his presence felt inside as San Beda University Red Lions prevailed over Arellano University Chiefs, 79-65, in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball on Saturday at the FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan.
The former University of Santo Tomas Tiger Cubs slotman finished with a career-high of 20 points to go with seven rebounds as the Red Lions improved to a 7-3 win-loss record.
“Having a player like Bis hindi siya mahirap i-plug in sa rotation, malaking bagay for us to have a player like him inside, especially for our shooters,” said Red Lions head coach Yuri Escueta.
“I have to give it to the players din eh; if someone can help, it’s a welcome to the team, ano dito eh wala silang sapawan, they are pushing each other up,” he added.
Yukien Andrada added 15 points, five rebounds, and four assists, while Jomel Puno chipped in a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds for the defending champion Red Lions.
Lorenz Capulong top-scored for the Chiefs with 16 points, while Jaedan Ongotan added 10 markers as they dropped to a 3-7 win-loss card.
Meanwhile, Mapua University Cardinals rode on the career game of Yam Concepcion to defeat Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, 75-71.
Concepcion finished with a career-high of 19 points to go with eight rebounds and five blocks as the Cardinals returned to their winning ways to improve to a 7-3 win-loss slate.
Clint Escamis added 14 points, including a paltry 2-of-8 free throw shooting, to seven assists and four rebounds, while Chris Hubilla and Marc Cuenco ended with 13 and 11, respectively, for the Cardinals.
Leading by as many as 10 points, the Cardinals saw their lead cut to 71-73 by a late Heavy Bombers’ run, but split free throws each from Escamis and Concepcion sealed the win for Mapua.
Shawn Argente and Joshua Guiab tallied 16 markers apiece for the Heavy Bombers, which dropped to a 3-7 record to open their second-round assignment./PN
