THIS time around, the San Beda Red Cubs did not have an easy time with the San Sebastian Staglets.
But with veteran guard Evan Nelle taking charge and finding the open man in the last period, the Red Cubs pulled off an 86-75 triumph over the Staglets Sunday at the Letran College gymnasium in Intramuros.
Nelle scored only six points and handed 14 assists for the Red Cubs at the start of the 93rd National Collegiate Athletic Association junior basketball tournament.
He scored on a drive and then assisted Peter Alfaro during a fastbreak–two crucial plays that fuelled the Red Cubs’ decisive scoring run in the last five minutes.
With the Stags threatening, 69-72, the Red Cubs then moved away on a 12-0 blast.
Alfaro showed the way with 17 points for the Red Cubs, while Addie Velasquez added Sam Abu Hijle added 16.
“Expected namin ito. I’m preparing the boys because every game, hindi na madali,” said Red Cubs’ coach JB Sison.
The San Beda juniors, who lost the crown to the Mapua Red Robins last year, held their ground as the Staglets rallied repeatedly.
The Staglets, the reigning Fr. Martin Cup Summer cagefest champions, were led by Damie Cuntapay with 25 points and 10 rebounds, and stayed close for the last time, 69-72.
That was after Lewis Pasamante stole off Nelle and assisted Cuntapay for an undergoal stab.
The loss spoiled the debut of new Staglets’ coach Mel Banua, who took over Franco Atienza after season 92 ended last year.
Games Tuesday
(The Arena in San Juan)
8 a.m. Perpetual Help vs LSGH(jrs)
10 a.m. JRU vs LPU (jrs)
12 nn Perpetual Help vs CSB (srs)
2 p.m. JRU vs LPU (srs)
4 p.m. Letran vs Mapua (srs)
6 p.m. Letran vs Mapua (jrs)
