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Friday, March 29, 2024

Oftana leads Red Lions past Mapua Cardinals

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Calvin Oftana provided the leadership once again as the San Beda Red Lions repulsed the Mapua Cardinals, 69-60, yesterday at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Oftana eked out another double-double with 24 points and 12 rebounds for the Red Lions, who stayed undefeated after nine games, and at the end of the first round of the 95th National Collegiate Athletic Association Men’s Basketball Tournament.

James Canlas and Donald Tankoua banged in 10 points for the Red Lions, who moved away from a one-point, 45-44 edge in the third period.

“We’re lucky that we won nine straight, but I don’t expect we’re gonna win it all with the way we played today,” said Red Lions coach Boyet Fernandez.

Earlier, the Letran Knights banked on a big scoring run in the third period to overpower the College of St. Benilde Blazers, 88-64.

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The San Beda Red Cubs turned back the Malayan Red Robins, 88-77, to end the first round of eliminations at no. 1 in the junior division after staying unbeaten after nine outings.

With Jerrick Balanza, Edson Batiller and Christian Balagasay taking turns in taking charge in the first period and at the start of the second half, the Knights went on to claim their sixth win in nine outings.

Balanza, who was celebrating his birthday, led with 26 points for the Knights, who moved up the standings to a share of third spot at the end of the first round.

The Knights drew 10 points from Balanza in the second period to take a 46-36 edge at halftime.

Balagasay struck with four of six points he made in the opening minutes of the third period.

The Knights, who were already in front, 46-35, at halftime, went on to move further away with a 14-0 run. When it was over the Knights were comfortably ahead, 62-40, at the end of the third period.

“Gumanda yung ranking natin, pero mas masaya akong nalabas namin yung laro naming hinahanap ko dati pa,” said Knights coach Bonnie Tan, as the Knights climbed to a share of third spot with the Lyceum Pirates.

Justine Sanchez led five teammates who made double digits with 20 points and eight rebounds and two blocks.

“Nag-adjust kami ng defense namin kasi hindi nagwo-work yun nung first half. Ayun, nag-work naman,” stated Red Cubs coach Manu Inigo.

Jay Ynot and Yukien Andrdada, who joined forces for 16 points in the third, helped put the Red Cubs ahead 51-41.

The setback dropped Mapua to 3-6 going into the second round.

Megan Galang showed the way for the Red Robins with 21 points while Jonnel Policarpio posted a 20-marker, 12-rebound double-double of his own.

The Red Lions’ Oftana hit 10 points in the third, including a dunk that capped a 10-2 run and handed the Red Lions a 54-47 edge.

The Cardinals, behind rookie Paolo Hernandez with 16 points, four rebounds, and three assists, finished the first round at 3-6.

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