DAVON Potts came through with another clutch performance as San Beda College survived a pesky Lyceum of the Philippines University, 91-86, on Tuesday to stay on top in the 92nd NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.
Potts, a 23-year-old transferee from US NCAA Division II Cal State, scored 12 of his team-high 19 points in the fourth quarter, including a crucial triple that gave the Lions the lead for good and a second straight victory.
Potts was also impressive in his first game, as he had 16 points, including nine in the final period in an 89-85 SBC victory over reigning titlist Letran in last Saturday’s opener at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.
“I’m just here to contribute and help the team win,” said Potts.
Skipper Dan Sara contributed 14 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals, while imports Donald Tankoua and Arnaud Noah combined for 22 points and 12 boards.
Javee Mocon, riding on a team-best 18-point performance last time, was all over the place with 11 points, 13 caroms, four assists and a block.
It was Potts though who came out the biggest.
“He was just clutch again,” said San Beda coach Jamike Jarin of Potts.
The Pirates, paced by Wilson Baltazar’s game-high 24 points, fell to their second straight defeat.
Earlier, Letran made up from its stinging setback to San Beda last time and turned back a fiesty Emilio Aguinaldo, 76-72, for its first win.
Rey Nambatac unloaded a career-high 33 points, while John Quinto scattered 17 points to lead the Knights.
The Generals were led by Hamadou Laminou’s 23 points, 18 rebounds and four blocks but just fell short in the end and absorbed their first defeat in two outings.
The scores:
First Game
Letran 76—Nambatac 33, Quinto 17, Balanza 7, Sollano 6, Apreku 4, Calvo 4, Balagasay 2, Luib 2, dela Pena 1, Ambohot 0, Bernabe 0, Sario 0, Vacaro 0
EAC 72—Laminou 23, King 14, Munsayac 14, Morada 10, Onwubere 4, Pascua 3, Corilla 2, Diego 2, Aguas 0, Estacio 0, Guzman 0, Mendoza 0, Neri 0, Serrano 0
Quarterscores: 15-10; 26-24; 41-34; 62-51; 76-72
Second Game
San Beda 91—Potts 19, Sara 14, Noah 12, Mocon 11, Tankoua 10, Bolick 8, Presbitero 7, Navarro 2, Soberano 2, Adamos 0, Carlos 0, Optana 0
LPU 86—Baltazar 24, Nzeusseu 18, Ayaay 12, Marata 11, Alanes 9, Serafico 4, Alban 4, Bulawan 2, Soliman 2, Malabanan 0, Magbuhos 0
Quarterscores: 20-16; 42-40; 64-all; 91-86
