JOSHUA Tagala struck hard as the defending champion San Beda Red Cubs stormed to their fourth triumph, this time at the expense of the University of Perpetual Help Junior Altas, 95-63, Monday in the 92nd National Collegiate Athletic Association junior basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
For a second straight game, the six-foot Tagala scored in double digits (15 points) and was ably aided by Sam Abu Hijle, Prince Etrata and Carlo Obenza as they combined efforts helping the Red Cubs keep their firm grip on the lead.
The Red Cubs quickly moved away by nine in the first period, 24-15, before taking a 17-point spread, 51-34, halftime.
Coach JB Sison said it was their adjustments with their outside shooting that keyed the win.
“He (Tagala) made some plays. Naga-adjust kami sa kanila. Iyung outside shooting namin, OK. But it was still a team effort, especially in setting up our outside shots,” said Sison.
Abu Hijle banged in 12 points and nine rebounds for the Red Cubs, who led by as much as 32 points.
Earlier, Jose Rizal University finally posted their first triumph after three losses, stopping winless San Sebastian, 68-60.
The Light Bombers gifted new coach Victoriano Lazaro with a win. Lazaro replaced Nathaniel Gregorio.
Jairuz Torre provided a game-high 14 points for the JRU Light Bombers, who improved to 1-3.
The Arellano University Braves bounced back from a 10-point deficit in the second period and outplayed the Emilio Aguinaldo College-ICA Brigadiers, 98-89, to keep their share of the lead with the Red Cubs.
Guilmer de la Torre showed the way with 24 points for the Braves, while rookie Aaron Fermin chipped in 15 points and 11 rebounds.
