It’s payback time for the San Beda Red Lions.
Facing a rival which halted their championship streak a year ago, the Red Lions played steady and in full control from start to finish to turn back archrival Letran Knights, 89-85 to open their campaign with a bang.
Javee Mocon finished with 18 points, and American cager Davon Potts added 16 for the San Beda Red Lions in the opening match in the Knights, 89-85, in their opening match yesterday in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Red Lions quickly took charge in the first quarter, and spent the rest of the way fending off the Knights en route to the win that gave them a 1-0 headstart.
The Knights’ setback spoiled the debut of former National University junior coach Jeff Napa, who replaced Aldin Ayo.
Finally stepping out of the shadows of his more prolific teammates who have graduated, the 6-3 Mocon was on fire right from the start, as he banged in seven points in the opening minutes.
Coupled with the team’s fast-paced assault, the Red Lions took a 15-5 advantage in the first five minutes of action.
“I got going when my teammates passed me the ball. I made my shots, and it started the team for the team,” said Mocon, who is in his junior year with the squad.
Cameroonian big man Donald Tankoua and Mocon later led a 13-2 run which handed San Beda a 10-point spread midway in the period.
Tankoua and Mocon tallied 11 points apiece at halftime, with the 6’6 Cameroonian hitting back-to-back baskets in the final 3:49 of the second frame to give the Red Lions a 13-point spread.
His drive off McJour Luib handed San Beda a 42-29 lead.
With Tankoua controlling the boards with eight rebounds in the first half, the Red Lions wound up taking charge with 14 offensive boards en route to outrebounding the Knights, 56-46.
Bollick, formerly of La Salle, played his first game in the league following his transfer two years ago, and opened his campaign with a trey in the 4:44 mark in the second period and finished with seven points.
The Knights tried to draw strength behind veteran Rey Nambatac, who despite suffering from cramps, carried Letran to within 56-57, in midway in the third quarter.
Nambatac, however, had to be forced out of the court in the final two minutes in the last two minutes of the third, and didn’t see action in the fourth.
The Knights= were led by John Quinto with 23 points.
Games Today
(San Juan Arena)
12 nn • Arellano vs Perpetual Help (srs)
2 p.m. • San Sebastian
vs St. Benilde (srs)
4 p.m.•EAC vs Lyceum (srs)
