Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — San Beda Red Lions downed fierce rivals Letran Knights, 83-78, to put the stranglehold on the top spot heading into the Final Four of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) on Tuesday (October 13) at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Ola Adeogun threw his weight around, scattering 21 points with nine rebounds for the Lions, who have been atop the leader boards heading into the penultimate stage since 2006.
Pint-sized Letran guard Mark Cruz had a tour-de-force outing with 29 points, but it did little to lift the Knights past San Beda.
Earlier, Mapua Cardinals ousted Arellano University with a 93-75 victory.
Josan Nimes pumped in 21 points to tow the Cardinals, who led by as much as 25 points.
Already assured of a playoff berth, Mapua will face Jose Rizal University on Friday in a batlle for the No. 3 seed.
The victor of the match will face Letran in the Final Four next week, while the loser squares off with San Beda.
