Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The San Beda Red Lions began their National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball title defense with a 102-89 victory over the Mapua Cardinals Saturday (June 27) at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Without Baser Amer in the line up due to injury, Art Dela Cruz stepped up for the Bedans with 27 points, 18 rebounds, and six assists.
The Red Lions got off to a hot start and led by 22-7 early in the first period, but the returning Josan Nimes dragged the Cardinals out of the hole and pushed Mapua to end the quarter with a 13-1 run to keep the game close at 23-20.
The Cardinals kept hounding the Red Lions throughout the game and drew even in the third quarter at 62-all. But the defending champions went on a 7-0 flurry to enter the final period 69-62.
It seems like that was all San Beda needed to put the game beyond doubt, leading by as much as 15 to close out the game.
The Cardinals were led by Nimes’ 23 points.
The victory gave the newly appointed coach Jamike Jarin his first win for the Mendiola-based squad.
The scores:
SBC (102) — Dela Cruz 27, Tankoua 18, Tongco 18, Koga 16, Solera 11, Sara 6, Mocon 2, Sedillo 2, Presbitero 2
MIT (89) — Nimes 23, Steven 13, Oraeme 13, Menina 12, Villasenor 8, Raflores 3, Que 3, Brana 2, Dela Rosa 2
