The score ended at 59-46 as the Red Lions were led by Donald Tankoua who obtained a double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds. James Canlas did not disappoint as well, contributing 10 points and seven rebounds. Sophomore Evan Nelle, Canlas counterpart for the ‘Bandana Bros,’ totalled nine points, five rebounds, and five assists. In the third quarter alone, where the Coach Boyet Fernandez-led squad really broke through, Tankoua, Canlas, and Nelle worked together to deliver 16 of the team’s 19 points.
For Arellano, it was Kent Salado who impressed with a double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds but struggled in the second half as he was limited to only five points. This was Salado’s first game for the Chiefs in the past two years, as he was recovering from an ACL injury. None of his other teammates chipped double-digits, only followed by Raymart Sablan who contributed seven.
In Coach Boyet’s words about their 14th win in a row for the league’s opening days, “It’s really tough to play in the opening day. But we’re happy that we got this one. We’re worried about the situation with the opening ceremonies and playing Arellano, but the players really stepped up.”
He also commented on his respect for their opponents’ new head coach, Cholo Martin, stating, “We’re happy we got this one. We’re facing a good old friend in coach Cholo and I’m sure, coach Cholo has been with me for so many years, he knows me. But the players really stepped up.”
San Beda will attempt to continue their positive run as they face the Jose Rizal University (JRU) Heavy Bombers next Friday, July 12. Arellano will try to redeem themselves against the Letran Knights on the same day at the FilOil Flying V Centre.