A LINEUP COMPOSED of a mere six players proved to be no problem at all for the defending champions San Beda Red Lions as they still managed to defeat the Arellano University Chiefs, 81-71, in the 88th NCAA basketball tournament yesterday at the Arena in San Juan City.
San Beda’s formidable roster was reduced to a six-man crew as most of their players were suspended as a result of the brawl that occurred on their campus during an NCAA volleyball game in December of last year.
But the Red Lions played with sheer determination and it paid off as they took control of the lead and the game in the third period, where they unleashed a sizzling 16-0 run that gave them a 63-54 lead after trailing by two, 42-44, at halftime.
Still, the Red Lions were in deep waters as they were whittled down to five players after Antonio Bonsubre fouled out of the game with 7:18 remaining. The Chiefs took advantage of San Beda’s fatigue and got within six, 62-68, behind consecutive fastbreak baskets.
But the Red Lions remained unfazed and closed the game out with a midrange jumper by Francis Abarcar that put them on top, 75-68, with 1:25 left.
Yvan Ludovice and former Ateneo Blue Eagle Art dela Cruz led the Red Lions with 18 points each while Ritchie Villaruz added 17. Abarcar and Dave Moralde chipped in 16 and 12 points, respectively to give head coach Ronnie Magsanoc his first win in the NCAA. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio