MANILA – San Beda University Red Lions broke loose in the second half to maul College of St. Benilde Blazers, 95-73, in the NCAA Season 95 men’s basketball at the San Juan Arena.
Calvin Oftana waxed hot in the third period on Thursday to finish with a career-high 29 points, nine rebounds and five assists.
The defending champions Red Lions hiked its record to 17-0, one win away from an elimination round sweep and outright finals seat.
James Canlas poured in 21 points, nine boards and seven assists. Donald Tankoua got 13 points and five rebounds while Amiel Cris Soberano had 10 points.
Trailing 41-42 at the half, the Red Lions woke up in the third period as Oftana spearheaded the third quarter 27-8 scoring run for 72-58 blowout heading into the fourth period.
“Simple lang ang sinabi ko sa mga players sa halftime. We’re really playing well in the last 16 games and they will just do the different thing come the 17th game? Mahiya naman sila sa mga sarili nila,” said Red Lions head coach Boyet Fernandez.
Justin Gutang tallied 23 points, 16 coming from in the first half, alongside five rebounds.
The Blazers was pushed on the brink of
the elimination with its 7-9 win-loss record.
Meanwhile, Mapua University Cardinals stayed on the hunt in Final Four race
after a 90-73 victory over San Sebastian College Stags.
Noah Lugo top-scored with 22 markers for
the Cardinals./PN
