Undermanned Red Lions steal season opener via a third quarter surge

Five of the SBC “Super Six” raise their arms in victory following their 81-71 victory over Arellano University on Sunday. (Arvyn Peter Radovan / FCF)

GAMES MONDAY (June 25, 2012) – The Arena in San Juan City
4:00pm – De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde vs Lyceum of the Philippines University
5:30pm – Emilio Aguinaldo College vs Arellano University

Against all odds, against a full roster.

With their backs against the wall and only six eligible men suiting up to play, San Beda College’s “Super Six” proved to be more than able to take on the challenge and fly their school’s colors in the continuation of the 88th National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) opening weekend on Sunday at the Arena in San Juan City.

The Red Lions open up their title defense with a hard-earned 81-71 victory over Arellano University in the lone seniors game of the four-game bill.

Led by transferees and former Red Cubs Yvan Ludovice and Art Dela Cruz, the Mendiola-based squad made a spirited run in the third quarter, pinning down Arellano to just two points in the first eight minutes to go ahead by as much as 12 points.

Dela Cruz, who previously suited up for Ateneo de Manila University two seasons ago, scored 7 of his 18 points in the pivotal third canto, which also came along with his 14 points.
Former National University guard Ludovice, on the other hand, had eight quick points in the first quarter en route to an 18 point outing on a near-flawless 5-for-7 shooting from the field.

Despite the Chiefs gaining a small sigh of relief in the exit of center Junjun Bonsubre, who committed five fouls and was the only Bedan held scoreless in the match, the remaining five held on and never relented on the Koy Banal-led squad until the final buzzer.

“We just wanted to stay in the game through the first three periods,” said Ronnie Magsanoc who made his NCAA head coaching debut for the two-time defending champions in this game.

“(The credit goes to) their teammates who couldn’t play in this game, since they pushed (the ‘Super Six’) in practice.”

Ritchie Villaruz, the only non-former Red Cub among the six, hit timely three-pointers which was part of his 17 points on 4-for-9 shooting from the arc. Last year’s NCAA Finals MVP Francis Abarcar, who was a late addition to the lineup in the place of Michole Sorela, added eight of his total of 16 in the final period. Dave Moralde, who spent time in SBC’s “Team Believe” last season, rounded out the list with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Rocky Acidre and rookie sensation John Pinto each had 16 points, Levi Hernandez added 15, while transferee Larry Malanday rounded out the scoring leaders with 14 in a losing cause.

BOX SCORES
SAN BEDA (81): Ludovice 18, Dela Cruz 18, Villacruz 17, Abarcar 16, Moralde 12, Bonsubre 0
ARELLANO (71): Acidre 16, Pinto 16, Hernandez 15, Malanday 14, Salcedo 4, Bangga 4, Zulueta 2, Cadavis 0, Lunas 0, Valera 0, Espiras 0
QUARTERS: 21-28, 42-44, 63-54, 81-71