OROQUIETA City — The San Beda Red Lions brought home the championship title of the 2018 Inter-Collegiate Pre-Season Tournament after clobbering rivals Letran Knights, 67-60, Sunday night at the ABC Gym here.
The defending NCAA champions San Beda diffused a fourth quarter comeback attempt from Letran and went on to dominate the tournament participated by other big collegiate teams in the country.
After leading by as many as 10 entering the final period, the Red Lions suddenly lost their grip with a series of turnovers and missed attempts as Letran’s big man Larry Muyang drained a wild jumper with under four minutes remaining on the clock to retake the lead from San Beda, 60-59.
But that was Letran’s last hurrah as San Beda pulled off an 8-0 spurt spearheaded by Evan Nelle and Jayvee Mocon to cruise to the victory. Mocon led the Red Lions with 22 points.
The General Santos City-native Edson Batiller led Letran with his 13 points.
Meanwhile, the De La Salle University Green Archers finished at third place after escaping the National University Bulldogs in overtime, 77-75.
The Southwestern University Cobras finished fifth after nipping the University of Cebu Webmasters, 61-59, in the night’s first game.
The tournament is presented by Oroquieta City Mayor Jason Almonte and the Oroquieta City Government.