Lions buck Chiefs, get into semis

MANILA, Philippines - San Beda fended off Arellano University’s fourth quarter rally to carve out an 83-72 victory yesterday as the Red Lions joined the San Sebastian Stags in the Final Four in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

Garvo Lanete came through with a team-high 17-point effort while American rookie Sudan Daniel and Adler dela Rosa added 15 and 14 points, respectively, to power the Lions to their 12th straight win for an overall 13-1 card.

The Stags continue to lead the 10-team pack with a 13-0 slate.

“It’s not a pretty win, but a win is a win and we’re just happy to be back in the Final Four,” said SBC coach Frankie Lim, whose wards blasted the Chiefs, 102-74, in the first round.

Giorgio Ciriacruz, held to just five points in the first two quarters by the Lions sticky defense, eluded his defenders in the second half as he fired 17 points, including 11 in the fourth quarter. He also had eight rebounds.

“That was really the game plan, to make life difficult for him (Ciriacruz),” said Lim.

The Chiefs dropped to 7-7.

Earlier, Emilio Aguinaldo leaned on a career game by Argel Mendoza as it eliminated St. Benilde, 83-70, for a 4-10 card.

Mendoza, who exploded for 30 points in a 63-109 loss to San Sebastian last week, erupted for 31 points this time and wound up with seven assists, four rebounds and three steals.

The Blazers, who missed the services of skipper and top scorer Jeff Morial for the third straight game due to knee injury, dropped out of the semis race with a 4-9 mark.

In juniors’ action, Chris Javier fired 24 points as San Beda thumped Arellano U, 106-48, to join Letran (14-0) in the Final Four with a 13-1 mark.

CSB-La Salle Greenhills, meanwhile, downed Emilio Aguinaldo, 84-52, to stay alive in the semis race with a 6-7 slate.