THE San Beda Red Lions found the needed boost from rookie point guard AC Soberano on Friday in the 92nd National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament.
Soberano strung up eight points, including two triples in the last two minutes that spelled victory for the Red Lions, who frustrated the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 90-82, at The Arena in San Juan.
The Red Lions, who struggled after losing Nigerian center Donald Tankoua to a possible knee injury early in the game, scored their second straight win to hike their record to l0-1.
“We just executed very well twice,” said Red Lions’ coach Jamike Jarin.
Davon Potts powered the Red Lions with 21 points, while Ranbill Tongco and Adamos added 12 and 11 points.
The Generals, who dropped to 3-8, had Sydney Onwubere hitting 19 points, 18 rebounds, six blocks and five assists.
Meanwhile, the San Sebastian Stags drew big baskets from birthday celebrant Alvin Capobres as they slammed the University of Perpetual Help Altas, 71-55.
Capobres, who turned 22, banged in 13 for the Stags, who ended a nine-game losing skid for their second triumph in 11 games.
Bright Akhuetie has 21 for the Altas, who held a six-game winning streak before their match with the Stags.
“Hopefully, ang mga players ko maka-focus sa lahat ng game because we need to know how to win,” said Stags’ coach Egay Macaraya.