THE SAN BEDA Red Lions showed that they are still the team to beat even without reigning MVP and Defensive Player of the Year Sudan Daniel as they routed the Perpetual Help Altas, 82-52, in the opening game of the 87th NCAA basketball tournament yesterday at the Araneta Coliseum.
Daniel, San Beda’s 6-foot-8 American center who is sidelined for the rest of the season because of a knee injury, was hardly missed as the Red Lions dominated the shaded lane against an undersized Perpetual Help squad.
San Beda opened the game on fire and led, 21-8, after the first period. They then extended that advantage to 18, 41-23, at halftime behind a huge 34-19 rebounding edge. The Red Lions had their biggest lead of the game at 33, 66-33, before bringing a 66-35 lead to the final canto.
Rome dela Rosa was deemed the Player of the Game with 15 points and three rebounds, spiced with an assist and a steal./Correspondent Jonas Panerio