MANILA, Philippines - NCAA champion San Beda smothered Letran, 77-57, to notch its third straight victory and advance to the quarterfinal round of the first Philippine Secondary Schools Basketball Championship (PSSBC) at the Chiang Kai Shek College gym in Manila last Sunday.
Drawing another stellar performance from former national team U-18 standout Arvie Tolentino, the Red Cubs took charge early and went on to blast the hapless Squires and stay unbeaten in Group B.
Tolentino also had 12 rebounds for the Red Cubs who posted their biggest lead at 62-34 going into the final 10 minutes of the contest.
NCAA Finals MVP Jayvee Mocon and Alejandro Inigo combined for 23 points for SBC in the event sponsored by Wrangler, Welcoat House Paints, Ironcon Builders, Jumbo Plastic Linoleum, Dickies Underwear, MEC Networks, Blackwater Sports and Hapee Toothpaste.
In other games, UAAP champion FEU downed Ateneo, 73-70, reigning Metro Manila Tiong Lian Basketball Association champion Chiang Kai Shek College shocked the SSC Staglets, 81-75, in overtime and Hope Christian High School outlasted National University, 61-50.