San Beda snaps Mapua's run, takes provisional lead

Ric Arlos

By Ivan Saldajeno

San Juan, MM—San Beda held off a fourth quarter run by Mapua to take a 75-65 victory in a crucial NCAA showdown at the FilOil Flying V Arena on Friday.

The Red Lions nearly lost a 22-point lead but stayed at their championship form to put an end to the Cardinals' six-game winning streak.

San Beda quickly raced to a 38-16 lead in the first half.

But Mapua slowly crawled back and was within one, 60-61, in the fourth quarter.

The Red Lions finished the game on a 14-5 run to put the win out of doubt.

Arth Dela Cruz led San Beda, which holds the provisional lead in the team standings at 12-4 pending the results of the two other games on Friday, with 17 points on 8-of-11 shooting, 14 rebounds, five assists, and one block.

Allwell Oraeme and Darell Menina each tallied 15 markers for Mapua, which slipped outside the top four at 10-6.

Box Scores:

San Beda 75-Dela Cruz 17, Amer 15, Tongco 12, Tankoua 12, Koga 10, Adeogun 7, Mocon 2, Presbitero 0, Reyes 0, Bonsubre 0, Soberano 0, Cabanag 0

Mapua 65-Oraeme 15, Menina 15, Nieles 10, Nimes 9, Braña 6, Serrano 4, Isit 2, Aguirre 2, Raflores 2, Biteng 0

Quarterscores: 23-12, 41-26, 58-48, 75-65

Follow the writer on his Twitter account: @IvanSaldajeno