San Beda avenges loss to Letran in NCAA Finals rematch
WHO BEDA THAN SAN BEDA. Donald Tankoua puts up two points against Letran. Photo by Josh Albelda/Rappler
MANILA, Philippines - San Beda College began its road to redemption on Saturday, June 25 by defeating defending champion Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 89-85, at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on opening day of NCAA Season 92.
The San Beda Red Lions were playing their first NCAA game without many of the graduating stars who led the team to 5-straight NCAA championships - including Ola Adeogun, Baser Amer, Arthur dela Cruz and Ryusei Koga. They started their campaign on the right foot after losing an emotional 3-game series to the Letran Knights in last season’s finals.
Jayvee Mocon led the way for the Red Lions with 18 points while Fil-Am Davon Potts scored 16 in his first game with the team.
Letran, which lost coach Aldin Ayo to UAAP school De La Salle University, and stars Kevin Racal and Mark Cruz to the pro ranks, was led by John Quinto’s game-high 23 points and Rey Nambatac flirted with a trouble double, turning in 18 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists.
The NCAA Finals rematch featured the jersey retirement of Philippine basketball legend Carlos “Caloy” Loyzaga, who wore jersey number 14 during his time with San Beda in the 1950s.
Scores:
San Beda (89): Mocon 18, Potts 16, Sara 14, Tankoua 13, Tongco 9, Bolick 7, Noah 4, Presbitero 3, Navarro 2, Soberano 1, Bonsubre 1, Alas, 0, Carlos 0, Optana 0
Letran (85): Quinto 23, Nambatac 18, Calvo 13, Sollano 11, Balanza 8, Apreku 7, Luib 5, Balagasay 0, dela Pena 0, Pambid 0, Sario 0
Quarter scores: 27-17; 45-36; 62-60; 89-85
– Rappler.com
