ROBERT BOLICK played true to form to power San Beda past De La Salle, 75-72, and help clinch for the Red Lions the Filoil Flying V Premier Cup crown last Sunday at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan City.
Bolick exploded with a team-high 24 points, including the go-ahead triple with 8.5 seconds to go, to lift the Red Lions to their second Premiere Cup title, in the process denying a repeat—and the fifth crown—by the Green Archers.
“I told the players before the game that if we want to be the best, we have to beat the best and today, we won over La Salle and we’re now No. 1,” San Beda Coach Boyet Fernandez said.
Lyceum of the Philippines University, meanwhile, turned back Jose Rizal University (JRU), 82-75, to clinch third place.
Mapua trounced Ateneo, 89-82, to capture the juniors crown.
It was another master performance by Bolick, who fired 22 points and also played a major role when San Beda routed JRU, 80-64, in the semifinals last Friday.
Bolick finished with 27 points when he dealt his former team De La Salle an 82-80 setback the first time they met in the tournament last May 28.
“It was extra special for me because we won against my former school,” the 21-year-old Bolick said.
Clint Doliguez and 6-foot-8 Kenmark Carino, both transferees from Ateneo, also played big for the Red Lions.
Doliguez chipped in seven of his eight points in the fourth quarter while Carino had six in the same period and helped limit De La Salle big man Ben Mbala, who has averaged 33 points in his last three games, to only eight points in the final 10 minutes for 25. Points in the match.
Mbala was named league Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player.
Image credits: Alysa Salen