THE San Beda Red Lions and the Arellano University Chiefs got off to shaky starts, but still prevailed over their respective rivals at the start of the second round of the 92nd National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament.
The College of St. Benilde Blazers gave the Red Lions a scare when they asserted themselves in the first period in their effort to score their first win at the Arena in San Juan.
But big games from Donald Tankoua, Davon Potts and Roldan Sara saved the day for the Mendiola-based dribblers, who went to to score a resounding 82-64 verdict.
This kept the Red Lions in the solo lead with their ninth win in 10 matches.
“We needed 20 minutes to wake up and do the right things,” said Red Lions’ coach Jamike Jarin, who added that the team didn’t practice much during their long break after the first round.
The Chiefs, with Jio Jalalon giving a season-best 33 points, including 12 triples, drew crucial baskets from Jalalon in the fourth quarter and from Kent Salado and Dioncee Holts in the closing minutes to survive a close fight with the San Sebastian Stags, 89-84.
“We had a bad start after the 10-day break. Finally, we got the first win in the second round,” said Chiefs coach Jerry Codinera.
Games Thursday
(The Arena in San Juan)
10 a.m. San Sebastian vs Arellano (jrs)
12 nn JRU vs San Beda (jrs)
2 p.m. Mapua vs JRU (srs)
4 p.m. Letran vs Lyceum (srs)