Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Reigning five-peat champion San Beda bucked the absence of Baser Amer as it overpowered Lyceum, 97-74, Tuesday (July 21) to get back on track in the 91st National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
With Amer suffering a shoulder injury in an 80-93 defeat to the Letran Knights last Thursday (July 16), the Lions went to their phalanx of guards headed by Roldan Sara, who finished with 11 points, seven rebounds, six assists and six steals.
Sara, who sat out the last game due to a one-game suspension, said he dedicated the win to his long-time friend Amer.
“It saddened me to hear the news because he is like a brother to me,” said the 22-year-old Sara referring to Amer, a former teammate of his at San Beda High.
“That’s why I’m dedicating this win to him,” he added.
Arthur dela Cruz continued to churn out MVP-like numbers by posting his fourth double-double performance of the season with 22 points and 14 boards he spiked with six dimes, two steals and a block.
It was the Lions’ third win in four outings that somehow soothed the pain they felt after falling to the overachieving Knights.
“We’ve got beaten by a better team and we offer no excuses,” said San Beda coach Jamike Jarin. “We bounced back strong, that’s the most important thing.”
Nigerian Ola Adeogun had 10 points, all came in the first quarter, as he struggled the rest of the way with a swollen hand.
The Pirates, who were led by Cameroonian Guy Mbida, missed the services of Jean Nguidjol, another Cameroonian who served out his one-game suspension for a disqualification foul in a 72-69 win over the St. Benilde Blazers Thursday (July 16).
Lyceum skidded to 1-3 (win-loss).
In the other game, Letran went to its defense and the duo of Mark Cruz and Rey Nambatac in the stretch as it clawed back from 13 points down to snatch a come-from-behind 76-70 victory against San Sebastian and jump into the joint lead with Perpetual Help.
