MANILA – San Beda University Red Lions rode on a strong start to easily stave off the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, 74-52, in the NCAA Season 95 men’s basketball yesterday at the San Juan Arena.
Calvin Oftana tallied double-double 17 points and 10 rebounds while James Canlas added 17 markers and eight boards.
With the win, the defending champions improved to 2-0 win-loss slate.
John Bahio contributed 11 markers on a perfect 4-of-4 shooting.
Evan Nelle tallied 14 assists, two less than the league record of 16 assists tallied by former Arellano University Chiefs guard Jiovani Jalalon.
The Red Lions immediately showed its offensive might in the opening round with a 15-0 scoring run for a 21-10 lead en route to an easy afternoon for the four-peat NCAA champions.
But even with the one-sided triumph, Red Lions head coach Teodorico Fernandez still saw some flaws in the offense and defense of his squad.
“We are happy to win this one but I saw a different thing in our execution. We have so many missed shots and we messed up our defense,” Fernandez said. “We gave up 52 points against JRU. But again, coach Louie [Gonzalez] did a good job in adjusting and preparing for the game.”
Marwin Dionisio and Ry Dela Rosa had 13 and 11 points, respectively, as the Heavy Bombers slumped to its second consecutive defeat in as many matches./PN
