The San Beda-A Red Lions asserted themselves early and swamped the Letran Knights, 79-56, last Saturday to capture the senior division honors of the 24th Fr. Martin Cup Summer Basketball Tournament.
Clint Doliguez had 18 points and his efforts in the first half allowed the Red Lions to take control and keep the Knights at bay when action ended at their own home turn at the St. Placid gymnasium of the San Beda-Manila campus in Mendiola.
Doliguez unloaded nine of 18 points in the first 10 minutes and joined hands with Calvin Oftana as the Red Lions fought to take control of the game in the opening period of this cagefest supported by Cocolife.
The Red Lions started moving away with an 21-16 lead after Doliguez connected with three triples and Oftana capped the first canto with a fourth trey.
As the Red Lions enjoyed a five-point edge at the start of the second canto, Jeremer Cabanag took over and shot 10 of 12 points during a big scoring run and they went on to enjoy a 44-31 halftime spread.
A driving shot from Doliguez with 3:51 to go in the second period handed the Red Lions their biggest lead at 59-41.
Jack Pambid led the Knights with 12 points, while Mark Sangalang shot 11.
“We played the guys who have not been playing in other off-season tournaments to give them exposure. I’m happy we won the game and the championship,” said Red Lions coach Boyet Fernandez.
The Red Lions won seven games and lost one during their campaign, which included five elimination matches, and an 80-59 triumph over the St. Francis of Assissi College Doves in the quarterfinals.
Oftana shot 13 points for the Red Lions in their 70-57 beating of the defending champion Diliman College Blue Dragons in the semifinals.
Earlier, the Adamson Baby Falcons snared the junior division crown when they pulled off a 78-76 win over the San Beda University-Taytay Red Cubs.
National player Jack Danielle Animam and newcomer Kaye Pingol showed the way with 12 points as the defending champion National University Lady Bulldogs retained the women’s crown.
Meanwhile, organizers Edmundo Badolato and commissioner Robert de la Rosa said the 16th Fr. Martin Cup Division 2 basketball tournament will begin on July 13 at the St. Placid gymnasium of the San Beda-Manila campus in Mendiola.