Lions get back at Gens, inch closer to semis

MANILA, Philippines — San Beda served Emilio Aguinaldo College a dish best served cold as it hammered out a vengeful 89-59 win yesterday to inch closer to a return trip to the NCAA Final Four at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

The Lions were all business as they led from start to finish and even went up by over 30 points in securing their 10th triumph in 15 outings and at least a playoff for one of the last two tickets to the playoff phase.

They could automatically claim it with a win in one of their last three elimination-round assignments – Letran, College of St. Benilde and San Sebastian.

If it happens, it will join CSB and Mapua in the playoff round.

“It’s a good confidence booster for us as we prepare for the Final Four,” said San Beda coach Yuri Escueta of the win avenging San Beda’s stinging 68-55 defeat to EAC in the first round last Sept. 17.

In the other game, Marc Cuenco drained six thunderous triples as Mapua smashed University of Perpetual Help, 71-57, for its sixth straight win and 12th overall against three defeats.