SAN Beda University coach Yuri Escueta yesterday insisted that his team’s second straight win at the expense of Arellano University still left a lot to be desired.
Leaning on a key second half breakaway, the Red Lions dumped the Chiefs 76-63 in the 98th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
James Kwekuteye wound up with 16 points, on top of four rebounds for San Beda, while JB Bahio complemented him with 10 markers, 14 boards, and three assists.
Justine Sanchez also added 10 points and four caroms for the Lions, who did an encore to their 72-64 triumph over Emilio Aguinaldo College nine days ago and hiked their mark to 8-4 for solo third.
Arellano failed to score a big follow-up to its 77-63 thumping of Lyceum last Wednesday and dropped to 5-7 in a tie with Perpetual Help.
“We’ll take the win, of course, especially now (that) every win is very important, na lahat naghahanap ng panalo. But I still wanna get more from the guys, ‘di ba?” posed Escueta.
“It’s just I really think that we played to Arellano’s pace and my big challenge to them is just to be the aggressor so but again I’ll take this win,” he added.
In the other game, Mapua University ripped Jose Rizal University 74-49 for its third straight win.
Joaqui Garcia bombed in five three-pointers and finished with 17 points for the Cardinals, while Rence Nocum backed him up with 12 markers, seven rebounds, and four dimes.
Warren Bonifacio also had 10 and four as Mapua scored a big follow-up to its 73-65 victory over Perpetual Help last Tuesday and climbed to 5-9.
The Heavy Bombers came off a 68-72 setback to San Sebastian College five days ago and tumbled to 5-5.
After taking a 34-31 edge at the break, San Beda surged ahead 63-45 heading into the payoff period.
Axel Doromal paced the Chiefs with 12 points and three caroms, while Wilmar Oftana had 11 markers.
