Lions claw way to quarters, devour Blazers

MANILA, Philippines – Reigning three-peat NCAA titlist San Beda unleashed a series of blistering runs in the second half as it outgunned St. Benilde, 74-58, to catch the last bus to the quarterfinals in Group A of the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup at The Arena in San Juan City.

La Salle likewise advanced to the quarters as it slammed Letran, 64-45, to post its sixth win against a defeat in group B.

The Knights fell to 4-4 (win-loss) and out of quarters contention.

Baser Amer carried the Lions on his shoulders with 15 points, six rebounds, three assists and a steal, most of which came in the second half when they made the move to turn a shaky one-point halftime lead to their fifth victory against two losses.

It also netted the Mendiola-based dribblers the fourth and last spot in the quarters where they will join Group A topnotcher National U Bulldogs, the Adamson Falcons and the Arellano U Chiefs.

"Our anchor was our defense. Everybody, including Baser (Amer), was committed to really play defense in the second half," said San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez, who took over the reins from Ronnie Magsanoc early this year.

In a non-bearing game, Emilio Aguinaldo edged Lyceum, 85-82, to barge into the win column.

Fast-rising sophomore Francis Abarcar posted his second straight, career-best 22-point effort by hitting nine of the 12 shots he took to help key the win for San Beda, which led 39-38, at the half.

While Amer and Abarcar delivered the goods from the wings, Nigerian big man Ola Adeogun provided the inside muscle with impressive numbers of 10 points, 12 boards and three shot blocks.

In the league's weekly awards, Adamson's Jericho Cruz was named Master Best Player of the Week while making the Gatorade Best Five that also consists of NU's Alfred Aroga of Cameroon, University of the East's Ralf Olivarez and San Beda's Art dela Cruz.

The other awardee was UE's Adrian Santos (Gatorade Defensive Player).

The event is presented by Hanes and Vulcaseal/Bostick. The collegiate basketball tournament is co-presented by Master Facial Wash, Starmobile, Meralco, and San Mig Coffee. Sponsors include DHL, Nature’s Spring, Reyes BBQ, Banco De Oro, and Bayo. Minor sponsors include Molten, Brother’s Burger, San Marino, Bank of the Philippine Islands, and Bacchus Energy Drink.