San Beda, Lyceum take down San Sebastian, EAC

MANILA, Philippines – San Beda College averted a nasty meltdown and thwarted San Sebastian College-Recoletos’ upset attempt, 92-81, to gain a share of the top spot in the NCAA Season 91 men’s basketball tournament Thursday, August 13, at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Red Lions were scoreless for 6 minutes as the Stags caught up from 17 points down and inched to within 78-77. But big man Ola Adeogun finally converted a bucket to stop the bleeding and San Beda re-established control from then on with a 12-2 run to end the game.

Adeogun poured a season-high 28 points on top of 14 rebounds as the Red Lions tied rivals Colegio de San Juan de Letran at 7-1 for first place.

Art Dela Cruz contributed all around with 13 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists while Ryusei Koga added 12 points.

Ryan Costelo had 18 points and 8 rebounds in the Stags’ losing effort. Michael Calisaan added 17 as San Sebastian finished the first round in last place with a 2-7 record.

Pirates halt skids

Meanwhile, Lyceum of the Philippines University put an end to a 5-game losing skid with a rousing 69-55 victory over Emilio Aguinaldo College.

Vic Nguidjol and Joseph Gabayni had 12 and 11 points, respectively, to lead the Pirates as they ended the first round on a strong note though still with a 2-7 record.

Francis Munsayac had 15 points for the Generals but had little help from his teammates as EAC also settled for a 2-7 record halfway through the tournament. – Rappler.com