MANILA – San Beda University Red Lions survived a slow start and the boisterous Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals crowd to pull off an 89-72 victory in the NCAA Season 95 men’s seniors basketball at the EAC Gym here.
James Canlas Kwekuteye top-scored with 21 points while Evan Nelle and Calvin Oftana added 15 and 14 markers, respectively. Donald Tankoua also made his presence felt with double-double 13 points and 10 rebounds while Ilonggo Clint Doliguez drilled two triples to finish with 10 points for the defending champions.
The Generals surged to a 12-2 start with Jethro Mendoza having eight early points but the Red Lions was quick to overcome the deficit behind Kwekuteye, Tankoua, Doliguez and Evan Nelle to take a 24-16 advantage.
Kwekuteye conspired with Franz Abuda in the second period as the Red Lions continued to pound on the Generals to build a 45-21 halftime edge before tallying its biggest lead of 28 in the third period.
The Generals made a strong push in the final quarter and was able to come to as close as 65-82 with over two minutes left. Baskets from Tankoua, however, sealed the win for the Red Lions.
Marwin Taywan finished with 20 points, including four triples, while Kriss Gurtiza and JP Maguliano had 15 and 13 markers, respectively, as the Generals slumped to 1-2 win-loss mark./PN
