By Ricky Manliguis
SAN JUAN, MM—San Beda recorded its eight straight win as it mangled San Sebastian, 87-77 for its best start in five years in Season 92 of the NCAA Friday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Despite committing a game-high 32 turnovers, last year’s runner-up squad was steady in the free throw line, converting 30 of 49 attempts for a 61 percent shooting in the game they never trailed.
Donald Tankoua top scored for Coach Jamike Jarin’s team with 20 points and five rebounds, while Fil-Am Davon Potts added 13 and Arnaud Noah had 10.
Tankoua had a hand on eight of the Lions’ 23 third-quarter points as it entered the final period leading by 15, 68-53.
The Stags kept the game interesting as it went as close as 10 points on an Ian Valdez trifecta just inside the last two minutes. They had 12 triples in total.
Regille Ilagan led the Recto-based Stags with 20 points and Allyn Bulanadi chipped in 13. But they efforts couldn’t bail the Stags from falling to a 1-8 win-loss slate.
The last time San Beda won eight consecutive games to start the season was in Season 87, where it went on to win its second of the five-peat titles.
It will have a chance to sweep the first round as it tackles Jose Rizal University on Tuesday. The Heavy Bombers are playing Arellano University as of press time.
Box Scores:
San Beda 87-Tankoua 20, Potts 13, Noah 10, Mocon 7, Sara 7, Bonsubre 5, Presbitero 5, Optana 4, Bolick 3, Carlos 3, Soberano 3, Alas 2, Navarro 2, Tongco 2, Adamos 1
San Sebastian 77-Ilagan 20, Bulanadi 13, Capobres 9, Valdez 7, Costelo 6, David 6, Calisaan 5, Mercado 4, Calma 4, Fabian 2, Johnson 1, Baetiong 0, Gayosa 0, Quipse 0, Serajosef 0
Quarterscores: 27-23, 45-38, 68-53, 87-77
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