SAN Beda used a superb second half to blast La Salle, 74-57, and snare the 2019 Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup on Sunday.
James Canlas and Evan Nelle anchored the Red Lions' assault as they guided the squad to a perfect 9-0 run in the summer tourney for their third title and their second in the last three years.
The Fil-Canadian Canlas uncorked 15 points and seven rebounds as he played perfect harmony with his fellow sophomore Nelle, who had 10 assists, on top of his four points, three boards, and two steals.
Tournament MVP Donald Tankoua topscored for San Beda with 17 points, six rebounds, and two blocks, as Clint Doliguez poured 13 points, six boards, and three blocks to lead the Red Lions' killer 16-2 blast to turn a 34-33 halftime deficit to a 49-36 lead at the 5:37 mark of the third frame.
Though Encho Serrano and Kurt Lojera tried to bring La Salle back within 12, 59-47, with 6:49 to play, the furious San Beda backcourt made sure to avert disaster, with Nelle's amazing no-look pass to an open James Canlas right corner three putting the exclamation point to make it 72-52 with 2:03 left.
Calvin Oftana also added nine points and nine rebounds, including the dagger baseline jumper to extend the lead to 22, 74-52, with 1:38 remaining.
"I just told them to contain our emotions. I told them at halftime that we still have 20 minutes to play and we just have to make stops and try to execute," said coach Boyet Fernandez.
Serrano powered the Green Archers with 12 points and six rebounds, while Justine Baltazar was held to just eight points and nine boards in the runner-up finish.
Tankoua, Canlas, and Nelle were named in the Mythical Team alongside Baltazar, and Adamson's Simon Camacho.
The scores:
SAN BEDA 74 -- Tankoua 17, Canlas 15, Doliguez 13, Oftana 9, Penuela 7, Bahio 5, Nelle 4, Carino 2, Etrata 2, Abuda 0, Noah 0, Obenza 0, Soberano 0.
LA SALLE 57 -- Serrano 12, Baltazar 8, Bartlett 7, Capacio 7, Lojera 6, Melecio 5, Cagulangan 5, Bates 4, Caracut 2, Lim 1, Cu 0, David 0, Escandor 0, Bonggay 0, Manaytay 0.
Quarters: 12-12, 33-34, 57-41, 74-57.
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