Red Lions pound Maroons; Chiefs triumph

MANILA, Philippines - Reigning NCAA champion San Beda used a strong start to beat University of the Phils., 70-58, while Arellano U subdued Perpetual Help, 74-65, in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup at The Arena in San Juan City yesterday.

Skipper Rome Dela Rosa fired a team-high 18 points while Nigerian Ola Adeogun had 12 points and seven rebounds as the Lions notched their second straight win following an opening game setback to the National U Bulldogs.

The Lions imposed their will early, leading by as many as 28 points, 56-28, capped by a basket by Ryusei Koga late in the third quarter. 

Led by Andrew Harris and Raul Soyud, the Maroons clawed their way back but could only come no closer than 56-68 as the Lions made a couple of clutch hits to secure the victory.

Ateneo, meanwhile, streaked to its third straight victory as it blasted Emilio Aguinaldo, 80-67, in the third game.

Earlier, rookie Keith Agovida stepped up as the Chiefs overcame the Altas to hurdle their opening game assignment.

Agovida, the former Jose Rizal U high school star who scored 82 points in an NCAA game a few years ago, had 11 points and four boards while shackling Nigerian Nosa Omorogbe to a nightmarish two-of-12 field goal.