Lions end Engineers run; USC Warriors oust Tigers

MANILA, Philippines – San Beda nearly squandered a huge 21-point lead and needed to scramble at the finish to end Technological Institute of the Philippines’ impressive run with a 79-77 victory and barge into the semifinal round of the National Collegiate Championship at The Arena in San Juan City yesterday.

Cameroonian Donald Tankoua powered his way to 13 points and 11 rebounds while Robert Bolick, a transferee from La Salle, chipped in 13 markers as the Lions earned a shot at redemption versus the Letran Knights, who beat them for this year’s NCAA crown.

CESAFI champion the University of San Carlos Warriors broke away from a tight game with a big run in the second half and went on to smother UAAP runner-up University of Santo Tomas Tigers, 82-72, in the other game.

The victory set up USC against UAAP champion Far Eastern U for a spot in the finals.

The TIP Engineers, who made quite an impression by beating fancied rivals to clinch a spot in the Elite Eight, struggled when ranged against a team like San Beda, trailing by as many as 21 points. But they refused to give up and clawed back before pouncing on the Lions’ erratic game in the second half to earn a shot at another king-sized win.

But they missed a couple of clutch shots, including a three-pointer at endgame, enabling the Lions to preserve the win and stay on course for a title repeat.

Dan Sara, who has assumed the skipper’s role for San Beda following the graduation of Baser Amer, scattered 12 points while Fil-Am Devon Potts and Arnaud Noah added 11 markers apiece.