San Beda banks on tough defense to repulse Perpetual Help

By Jason Espiritu

SAN JUAN, MM—When coach Jamike Jarin took over the San Beda Red Lions basketball program, he simply wanted one thing: give 40 minutes of hell.

On Tuesday night, they did.

The Red Lions dominated and routed the Perpetual Help Atlas in the second half to win, 88-70, in the nightcap of the NCAA triple-header at the FilOil Flying V Centre.

For 40 minutes, the Red Lions implemented coach Jarin’s daunted full-court pressure defense. It eventually broke down UPHSD’s spirit and broke the game wide open after a close opening canto.

San Beda forced turnovers all game long especially in the third quarter where they posted a lead as much as 19 points.

In the final canto, the Perps tried comeback bids numerous times using their own full-court pressure defense.

They managed to close the gap to within 12 points, but hot-shooting AC Soberano converted on back-to-back treys to put the final nails on the Perps' coffin.

UPHSD did a great job of breaking the pressure defense in the first quarter via quick passes and less dribbles.

They posted seven assists in the quarter that kept them in step with San Beda only trailing by 3, 25-22.  

Fresh from his NCAA player of the week honors, Donald Tankoua posted another solid double-double effort with 20 points and 10 rebounds.

Gab Dagangon led the Altas with 14 points, while Bright Akhuetie tallied 13. The Altas played without GJ Ilagan who is suffering from a sprained ankle.

Box Scores:

San Beda 88-Tankoua 20, Soberano 15, Bolick 12, Potts 9, Tongco 8, Mocon 7, Presbitero 6, Optana 5, Carlos 4, Alas 2, Noah 0, Bonsubre 0, Navarro 0, Adamos 0, Sara 0

Perpetual Help 70-Dagangon 14, Dizon 13, Akhuetie 13, Coronel 12, Pido 9, Singontiko 3, Yuhico 2, Eze 2, Cabiltes 2, Hao 0, Gallardo 0

Quarterscores: 25-22; 45-35; 65-49; 88-70

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