AC Soberano found his range during a crucial stretch and the defending champion San Beda Red Lions went on to repulse the Letran Knights, 81-74, last night at the Arena in San Juan.
Soberano banged in 11 of 16 points in the third period and his efforts did not go unnoticed as the Red Lions went on to post their fourth triumph in five games.
Coach Boyet Fernandez commended his efforts for the Red Lions, who remained at second spot in the 93rd National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball tournament.
“Bumaba energy namin after the second period. AC was in the second group. Bolick was missing his shots. Sabi ko sa kanya, you just have to take your shots. Luckily, Jayvee (Mocon) was there and he was kicking out to Soberano,” said Fernandez.
Robert Bolick showed the way with 22 points although he was scoreless in the second period.
The Knights, with Jerrick Balanza leading with 20 points, took advantage of Bolick’s bad shooting form in the second period to move away, 34-27, at halftime.
With Soberano picking up just as Bolick was faltering, the Red Lions went on to take a 55-46 spread in the last two minutes of the third.
The Knights gave the Red Lions a scare when they managed to come close, 61-62, in the last 6:20, off Balanza’s triple and drive.
But a trey from Balanza and a penetration from Bolick with 5:48 kept San Beda safely ahead, 67-61. Bolick also scored three treys, including in the last 2:56 that allowed San Beda to nurse a seven-point edge. 74-67.