Javee Mocon sizzled with four triples in the third period and his effort propelled the defending champion San Beda Red Lions to an 88-70 swamping of the Mapua University Cardinals yesterday at the FilOil-Flying V Sports Center in San Juan.
The 6’3” power forward went on tally a game-high 22 points for the Red Lions, who posted their fourth straight win in the 94th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament.
Mocon’s treys shattered a 49-all deadlock and fueled a 10-0 blast that allowed the Red Lions to take control of the game at 59-49.
“The boys stepped up, especially in the second half. We just have to be consistent and learn to play the game,” said Red Lions’ coach Boyet Fernandez as the Mendiola-based dribblers moved a game behind the Lyceum Pirates (5-0) with their fourth straight win.
Mocon, who also dominated the boards with 16 rebounds, four assists and three steals, got support from Donald Tankoua, who had 17 points, and Robert Bolick Jr., who provided 11.
Bolick, who was commended by Mocon for giving him good passes, had eight assists. Most of his good passes were with Mocon in the crucial of the third.
Later, the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals needed an extra period and the charity shots from Hamadou Laminou and Jerome Garcia to put away the San Sebastian Stags, 79-77.
Rookie JP Magullano, a walk in applicant last summer, tallied 30 points to lead the Generals to their first win in five matches.
“We are thankful for this win,” said Generals’ coach Ariel Sison after they forced the overtime off Renz Gonzales’ charity in the last 36.5 seconds from a 69-all standoff.
In the junior division, the San Sebastian Staglets outrebounded the EAC-ICA Brigadiers and struck with their outside shots to post a 78-71 win, with Milo Janao top-scoring for 30 points.
The Staglets, who had 52 rebounds, broke a 42-all deadlock on two triples from Janao to move away, 58-47, in the last 3:47 of the third.
“Our rebounds in the third period were a big factor in this win,” said Staglets’ coach Melo Banua.
The San Beda Red Cubs, who earned their first win in three outings, also needed an extra period and a three-point play from Troy Valencia at the buzzer, to escape with a 98-93 triumph over the Malayan Red Robins.
Zach Estacio showed the way with 24 points for the Red Cubs, while Yukien Andrada added 14.