Lions overpower Blazers for 8-0 record in NCAA
Credit to Author: Tempo Desk| Date: Fri, 23 Aug 2019 08:54:09 +0000
Defending champion San Beda University extended its unbeaten winning streak to eight games with another dominant performance over College of St. Benilde Blazers, 88-57, in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament yesterday at The Arena in San Juan.
CSB coach TY Tang is being pacified as he argues with a referee. (Rio Deluvio)
Calvin Oftana, a fourth year forward, delivered another solid all-around game as he collected a career best 27 points on 10-of-13 shooting from the field, including a perfect 3-of-3 from three-point territory with nine rebounds off the bench in just almost 21 minutes of action.
AC Soberano also had a stellar game for San Beda with 14 points while James Kwekuteye-Canlas contributed 11 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
The victory not only improved the record of San Beda to 8-0, but it stretched the team’s win run to 22 games dating back to last season. The last time the Red Lions lost was on Aug. 21 in the first round against the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates.
However, SBU coach Boyet Fernandez said they are more focused on their initial goal than extending their streak.
“As what I’ve always said, we take it game to game basis. I think we still have 10 more games to go, and our goal is make it to the top two and have a twice to beat in the playoffs,” said Fernandez.
The encounter between SBU and CSB was originally set Aug. 2 but was called off because of bad weather. At that time, the two were tied on top of the standings with similar 5-0 cards.
San Beda took control of the game early when it grabbed a 20-9 advantage after the first period.
By halftime, the lead ballooned to 19 points, 44-25, as Calvin Oftana scored 11 points, while Evan Nelle and AC Soberano each scored eight points for the Mendiola-based school.
Meantime, CSB coach TY Tang was ejected from the game late in the second quarter after receiving back-to-back technical fouls – first for continued complaining and second was when he approached the referee, and inadvertently made a contact. (WAYLON GALVEZ)
SAN BEDA 88 – Oftana 27, Soberano 14, Canlas 11, Nelle 8, Tankoua 7, Doliguez 5, Bahio 4, Visser 4, Abuda 2, Etrata 2, Alfaro 2, Cuntapay 2, Cariño 0, Obenza 0, Noah 0.
CSB 57 – Gutang 10, Pasturan 10, Nayve 8, Leutcheu 7, Naboa 6, Sangco 6, Flores 4, Carlos 3, Dixon 2, Belgica 1, Haruna 0, Young 0, Lepalam 0.
Quarters: 20-9; 44-25; 67-39; 88-57.