By Waylon Galvez
Defending three-time champion San Beda University finally got into some ‘game’ action Thursday when it played the Pasig Sta. Lucia Realtors in a tuneup match that is part of the Red Lions’ preparation for the NCAA Season 95 Finals on November 12.
“We needed this one,” said San Beda’s sophomore guard Evan Nelle after the game at the school’s gym in Mendiola, Manila.
“The last time we played was like two weeks ago. Yes we’ve been practicing but playing the game is totally different. You get in to that game flow, you’re able to test some of the things you want to improve on. Like for its, it’s my decision making and defense.”
(From left) San Beda Red Lions’ James Canlas-Kwekuteye, Evan Nelle, Calvin Oftana and Donald Tankoua (Waylon Galvez)
San Beda won against the Realtors 70-63, a team managed by Buddy Encarnado and handled by mentor Bong dela Cruz with ex-pros Jeric Teng, Nic Belasco and Kiko Adriano.
Fernandez played for Encarnado during his amateur days with the now defunct Philippine Basketball League, and when he turned coach, he called the shots for Sta. Lucia Realty that won the 2008 Philippine Cup title.
San Beda last played Oct. 17 when it downed Lyceum of the Philippines University 85-62 to complete a perfect record of 18-0 in the elimination round, which matched the achievement of LPU two seasons ago.
The feat also gave the Red Lions automatic finals berth.
That leaves the next three teams going through a stepladder playoffs to determine the second finals spot with No. 3 Letran facing No. 4 San Sebastian College-Recoletos in a knockout game on Nov. 5. The winner plays No. 2 Lyceum also in a do-or-die on Nov. 8 with a finals berth at stake.
Filipino-Canadian second year guard James Canlas-Kwekuteye said that while there is pressure to deliver a championship, they are all focused to play in the Finals.
“Of course there is pressure, after what we accomplished in the elimination round. That’s why Game 1 is very important,” said Canlas-Kwekuteye.
San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez (MB photo | Rio Leonelle Deluvio)
San Beda mentor Boyet Fernandez said that despite a perfect record, there are things that he wants to see improvement on his team, foremost of which is defense.
There were games in the second round that the Red Lions needed to play catch-up after a slow start. Fernandez said they cannot do that in the finals.
“That’s what we are focused on,our defense,” said Fernandez. “Any team that we’ll face, we know it’s not going to be easy. That’s why I always tell my players that we have to give it out best, take extra effort in playing defense.”
San Beda takes a rest Friday and Saturday, returning Sunday for practice until Tuesday. Fernandez said he hopes to get another tune up game on Wednesday.
Source: Manila Bulletin
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