MANILA -- Last year’s runner up San Beda claimed the top spot in the 86th NCAA basketball tournament as it walloped age-old rival Letran, 77-60, Wednesday night at the Arena in San Juan.
Size advantage and deep bench proved pivotal for San Beda as the Recto-based squad dominated its archrival all throughout the game.
The Red Lions found its hero in veteran guard Garvo Lanete who scored 22 points on nine of 15 shooting, including four rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Borgie Hermida and first half leader Jake Pascual chipped in 16 and eight points, respectively.
Franz Dysam paced the Knights with 11 markers while Jayoee Belencion added nine for Letran.
San Beda kept a clean slate at 4-0 while Letran dropped to 1-3 with the loss.
The Knights last won against the Red Lions in July 25, 2007 in a 70-69 decision. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)