MANILA, Philippines -- San Beda College grabbed a share of the lead in the NCAA men's basketball tournament as the Lions routed the College of St. Benilde Blazers, 74-51, Wednesday at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

Lions skipper Pong Escobal led a balanced attack for the Lions with 13 points, including back-to-back treys that allowed his team to pull away from 60-49 with 3:40 left.

Sam Ekwe added 12 apiece and hauled a season-high 20 rebounds for San Beda, which never looked back after taking an early 14-8 lead.

The Lions maximized their size advantage by hauling a total of 70 rebounds, 36 more than the Blazers.

"Our running game is back," San Beda coach Frankie Lim said. "I told them if we can control the boards we have more chances to score."

The win pushed the Lions to 4-0.

The Blazers, who were paced by Chuck Dalanon's 14 points and five rebounds, suffered their fourth consecutive loss after winning their first two games.


The Scores:

First Game (Srs)
SAN BEDA 74 --- Escobal 13, Ekwe 12, Menor 12, Gamalinda 7, Pascual 6, Hermida 4, Taupa 4, Villanueva 3, Tecson 3, Marcelo 2, Soliman 0, Tirona 0.
ST. BENILDE --- Dalanon 14, David 9, Umlas 8, Manlapaz 6, Montecastro 6, Sevilla 5, Johnston 2, Morial 1, Manalaz 0, Abolucion 0.

Quarters: 17-8, 34-25, 55-40, 74-51