By Ivan Saldajeno
SAN JUAN, MM—San Beda returned to its winning ways and proved that there can be life without star point guard Baser Amer as it turned back Lyceum, 97-74, in their NCAA battle at the FilOil Flying V Arena on Tuesday.
The Red Lions, who saw their 3-0 start snapped by the Letran Knights on Thursday, pulled away in the second half as they brought back the Pirates, who were still on a high after scoring their first win of the season against the CSB Blazers also last week, to reality.
Leading MVP candidate Arth Dela Cruz led San Beda, which moved to provisional solo third, with 22 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists, while Dan Sara took over the spot vacated by Amer with 11 markers, seven boards, six dimes, and six steals.
Guy Mbida made 13 points for Lyceum in a match where San Beda limited Joseph Gabayni and Shaq Alanes to a combined 14 points.
Box Scores:
San Beda 97—Dela Cruz 22, Tankoua 13, Koga 12, Sara 11, Adeogun 10, Tongco 9, Cabanag 8, Mocon 6, Sorela 4, Bonsubre 2, Reyes 0, Presbitero 0, Sedillo 0
Lyceum 74—Mbida 13, Baltazar 12, Gabayni 11, Lugo 8, Bulawan 8, Ayaay 6, Taladua 4, Malabanan 3, Alanes 3, Soliman 2, Marata 2, Lacastesantos 2, Sunga 0
Quarterscores: 27-14, 42-33, 70-57, 97-74