SHARPSHOOTING Evan Nelle and Robi Nayve struck with 19 and 16 points, respectively, for the defending champion San Beda Red Cubs, who got back at the Arellano University Braves, 92-74, and formally earned the top Final Four seeding Monday at The Arena in San Juan.
The Red Cubs took control in the second quarter and never let go as they went on finish with 17 wins and a loss at the end of their elimination-round campaign in the 92nd National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament.
Big man Sam Abuhijle added 10 points and 10 rebounds, while Eduardo Velasquez jr. hit 9 points, including a triple, which handed the Mendiola dribblers a 37-27 spread in the last 4:48.
Nelle, who had five triples, connected with a trey in the last 4.2 seconds of the second canto and kept the Red Cubs ahead by 10, 46-36.
The Braves, who could not keep up with the Red Cubs’ pressing game, fell behind by 12 at the start of third, after Nelle unloaded another trey and Abu Hijle quickly followed it up with a steal off Lars Sunga and a putback, 57-45.
“We prepared well for this game. Isa ito sa nakatalo sa amin sa first round,” said Red Cubs coach JB Sison.
Guilmer de la Torre scored a game-high 20 points for the Braves, who finished fourth with their 13-5 win-loss record.
In other games, the Lyceum Junior Pirates drew 29 points from McLaude Gaudana, including two crucial baskets in the extra period to put away the University of Perpetual Help Junior Altas, 76-72.
The Junior Pirates finished with their five-year best record of nine wins and nine losses in fifth place.
Jasper Cuevas hit 19 points of the Junior Altas, who forced an overtime following a 64-all deadlock in regulation.
Benedict Buno banged in 17 points for the Jose Rizal University Light Bombers, who waylaid Letran, 61-54, while Maui Cruz made 32 points for the Emilio Aguinaldo College Brigadiers in beating the San Sebastian Staglets, 81-74.
Games Thursday
(The Arena, San Juan)
10 a.m. – EAC vs Mapua (Jrs.)
11:45 a.m. – JRU vs SSCR (Jrs.)