Lions finish strong over Great Danes

MANILA, Philippines - San Beda sized up Angeles U Foundation in the first two quarters then imposed its will in the second half to score an 89-56 rout yesterday and close in on unbeaten San Sebastian in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

Garvo Lanete fired eight of his 20 points in the third quarter where the Red Lions pulled away after a lackluster outing in the first half on their way to a 7-1 (win-loss) mark.

American Sudan Daniel also came two blocks short off a triple-double effort with 17 points, 11 rebounds and eight shotblocks.

The Great Danes, who fell to 1-7, kept the game close in the early going and trailed by just seven, 31-38, at the turn.

But the Lions came out of the break roaring as Lanete combined with Bam Bam Gamalinda, who scored all his eight points in the period where San Beda outscored AUF, 26-12.

“It’s a good win and preparation against JRU, but we still have to minimize our turnovers,” said coach Frankie Lim, referring to their match with the Bombers on Monday.

In juniors’ action, Letran leaned on Jarelan Tampus, who shot 29 points to power the Squires past the Emilio Aguinaldo side, 133-77, for their eighth straight win.

In the other game, Letran made a key stop in the closing seconds as it edged Emilio Aguinaldo, 85-84, in overtime to remain at No. 4 with a 5-3 card.

Rookie Jomar Datang blocked Claude Cubo desperation shot at the buzzer to help seal the win for the Knights, who drew 26 points from RJ Jazul and a combined 22-point output from Rey Guevarra and Kevin Alas.

The Generals fell to 2-6.