By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
THE three peat-seeking San Beda Red Lions moved on the verge of another National Collegiate Athletic Association title after beating the undermanned Lyceum Pirates, 73-60, in Game One of their best-of-three Season 94 finals series on Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
In their element right from the opening tip all the way to the end, the Lions proved to be too much to handle for the Pirates, who played sans top gun CJ Perez due to suspension, to move a win away from their third straight NCAA title and 22nd overall.
Perez, the reigning league most valuable player, was banned for the series-opener after being ruled by the NCAA in violation of league rules when he applied for the Philippine Basketball Association rookie draft without formally informing the NCAA about it.
League rules stipulate that those applying for the PBA draft must first inform the NCAA in writing of their intention before submitting their application, something Perez and his handlers were reportedly not able to do.
Towed by their hot shooting and steady defense, San Beda dominated the opening half.
It seized a 19-9 lead at the end of the first 10 minutes before extending it to a 21-point cushion, 43-22, by the halftime break.
At the start of the third period the Pirates would show more fight led by Jaycee Marcelino.
But the Lions kept their opponents in check as Robert Bolick and Javee Mocon made run-busting plays to frustrate the Pirates.
The count stood at 51-34, and the Lions on top, with 4:15 to go.
From there San Beda sustained control, building a 20-point cushion, 59-39, heading into the final frame.
Despite being in total control, the Lions showed no let-up to begin the fourth period.
They opened things with a 7-0 run to extend their lead to 27 points, 66-39, in the first two minutes.
The Pirates continued to battle after, coming to within 10 points with a minute to go.
It proved to be too little too late though as the Lions held on for the win.
Mocon showed the way for San Beda with 14 points and 10 rebounds while Bolick had 12 points and nine assists.
Clint Doliguez had 11 points and Donald Tankoua had 10 points and 16 rebounds.
Mike Nzeusseu led Lyceum with 16 points and 14 boards with Jaycee and Jayvee Marcelino adding 13 points each.
“Without CJ their game plan was really affected but we only beat them by 13 points which speaks a lot of LPU,” said winning coach Boyet Fernandez in the postgame interview.
“Credit to my players for stepping up. I really did not know how they would respond since we only knew of CJ not playing only yesterday afternoon. But they responded well,” he added.
Game Two of the finals is on Monday, Nov. 12.
EZE IS MVP
Meanwhile, prior to Game One yesterday, the winners of the top individual awards were announced.
Leading the honor roll was Prince Eze of season hosts Perpetual Help Altas, who was named league MVP.
Eze finished with 61.39 statistical points on the strength of season averages of 18.2 points, 16.5 rebounds and 3.3 blocks while also helping the Altas to a Final Four finish.
Joining the Nigerian in the mythical five were the Letran Knights’ Bong Quinto (48.83 SPs) and San Beda’s Bolick (48.39), Mocon (47.89) and Tankoua (46.56).
Perez, who would have been a shoo-in for at least a mythical selection, was eliminated from the running because of his suspension.
Rookie of the year was Larry Muyang of Letran while most improved was Archie Concepcion of the Arellano Chiefs.
Eze also led the defensive team, which included Hamadou Laminou of the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, Nzeusseu of Lyceum, Michael Calisaan of the San Sebastian Stags and Tankoua.
Awarding is set before Game Two of the finals.

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