Debuting Red Lions smother Warriors

MANILA, Philippines - San Beda used its speed and awesome shooting to demolish University of the East, 94-72, to kick off its title retention drive in the FilOil Flying V Premier Cup at The Arena in San Juan yesterday.

AC Soberano exploded with five triples to finish with 19 points he poured in the first half, helping the Lions set the tone for the rout through their running attack. Skipper Dan Sara and Fil-Am Davon Potts backed him up with 17 and 13 markers, respectively, while Cameroonian Donald Tankoua and Jayvee Mocon added 11 points each.

“If we can sustain this kind of pace, we’ll probably join the track and field team after the NCAA,” said San Beda coach Jamike Jarin in jest.

“The question is if we can sustain this because we’re playing three games in three days,” added Jarin, whose wards take on Lyceum of the Philippines U today and La Salle tomorrow.

The new-look Lions are now without Ola Adeogun, Art dela Cruz, Baser Amer and Ryusei Koga, who all have graduated or moved to the pros.

But San Beda hardly missed their presence, dominating the Warriors with their run-and-gun game.

“It’s hard to compare but I like what I’m seeing in this team,” said Jarin.

The Warriors fell to 2-2.

Earlier, Adamson relied on rookie Fil-Am Jerrick Ahanmisi as it downed reigning NCAA champion Letran, 83-78, to even its record to 2-2.

Ahanmisi came off the bench to fire a league-best 26 points, including five triples to power the Soaring Falcons to victory.

Ahanmisi, a fresh high school graduate from Minnesota, also hauled down five rebounds and finished with three assists, two steals and a shot block to impress Adamson coach Franz Pumaren.

“He’s (Ahanmisi) the second coming of Ren Ren Ritualo,” said Pumaren.

Interestingly, Ritualo, who played for Pumaren in several of his UAAP championships for La Salle more than a decade ago, is now one of the Adamson assistant coaches.