Bismarck Lina flashed his brilliant form as defending champion San Beda University pulled off a 79-65 victory over Arellano University in the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Season 100 men's basketball tournament at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Saturday.
Playing in only his third game after being sidelined for nine months due to an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury, Lina delivered 20 points on top of seven rebounds.
The Red Lions rolled to their fourth consecutive win and seventh overall in 10 games to secure second place.
They also avenged their 70-72 loss to the Chief in the first round on Sept. 28.
“For somebody who we can rely on in the post, it's a big thing especially to our shooters,” San Beda coach Yuri Escueta said of Lina.
Yukien Andrada chipped in 15 points, including four triples, five rebounds and four assists; while Jomel Puno had 14 points and 10 rebounds for San Beda, which took a commanding 68-41 lead in the third quarter.
“We did a better job today. One addition was we have to respect our opponent. I think that we’re taking them lightly and we need to respect them, defend correctly," Escueta said.
Arellano, which dropped to 3-7, was paced by Lorenz Capulong, who produced 16 points and five rebounds.
Meanwhile, College of Saint Benilde will try to keep the lead when it battles San Sebastian College-Recoletos at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.
The Blazers have a 7-2 slate while the Stags are at the bottom with two wins against seven losses.
The other game will pit Letran (6-4) against University of Perpetual Help (4-6) at 12 noon. (PNA)
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