The San Beda Red Lions sent the Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras back down to reality as the reigning NCAA champions manhandled the Southern Islands rulers, 77-49, in the semifinal round of the 2013 National Collegiate Championship yesterday at the Arena in San Juan City.
Overconfidence reared its ugly head for the Cebuanos as they played uninspired basketball all-game long against a San Beda squad hungry for its first win following a loss to Far Eastern University (FEU) last Monday.
The result was a veritable whitewash that had the Cobras groping for form from the opening tip until the final buzzer.
Nobody typified SWU’s struggles than Cesafi MVP Mark Jayven Tallo, who, a day after coming up with crucial plays in SWU’s 68-58 win over UAAP titlists La Salle, was held down to just two points on 1-of-7 shooting from the field.
SWU got 13 points, six rebounds and four assists from import Landry Sanjo in spite battling foul trouble all-game long. However, he was the lone scorer to reach twin digits.
The loss placed the Cobras in a must-win situation against the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws tomorrow. They must also hope for a San Beda loss against La Salle in order to book their ticket to the finals.
San Beda’s Nigerian import, Ola Adeogun was the biggest thorn on the side of the Cobras as he pumped in 22 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks. Kyle Pascual added 14 markers while NCAA Finals MVP Art dela Cruz had 10 points and six boards.