San Beda College ran off with their eighth title in nine years following a clinical dismantling of Arellano University, 89-70, to clinch their fifth straight National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) seniors basketball title on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Not only did the Red Lions tie the record set by San Sebastian College from 1993 to 1997, but they extend their lead atop the all-time winners list with 19 seniors hoops titles overall.
Swingman Anthony Semerad posted a career-high 30 points with six rebounds on his way to capturing the series’ most valuable player award.
Kyle Pascual, the only member of all five championship teams, added 16 markers and eight rebounds. Nigerian center Ola Adeogun contributed 15 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks, while Arthur de la Cruz had 12 points and 10 rebounds.
The boys from Mendiola withstood a testy third quarter adjustment by the Chiefs that cut their lead to single digit after leading by a high of 16 points minutes before the break, 37-21.
Earlier in the match, Baser Amer exhibited his skill as one of college basketball’s best playmakers in dishing off 11 assists, including a number of them to Anthony Semerad, who hummed to the tune of 14 markers in the half with four shots made from beyond the arc.
Despite showing signs of negative body language during the second period, the upset-minded Chiefs came out of the dugout with a huge adjustment in applying full-court pressure on Amer and their four big men lineup, resulting in multiple turnovers and six fastbreak points.
But a quick tactical change from head coach Boyet Fernandez turned things around for the Red Lions, breaking the vaunted Jerry Codiñera press and ballooning their advantage back to double digits by the end of the third quarter, 63-52.
“I’ve been watching Arellano play in the tapes and the only reason why they score is because of transition offense and turnover points. So we tried to really control the tempo of the ballgame,” Fernandez said.
“It’s been always up to my boys. I told them not to rush the execution due to the fact that it’s the only time that Arellano could score off us because of our inability to sprint back and protect the paint,” he added.
“In Game 2, we tried to set up the play and control the tempo and that’s why it took off Arellano’s play.”
Keith Jasper Agovida wound up his college career with 22 points and seven rebounds, while Ice Ciriacruz added 15 points.
