Melencio, Dela Cruz led San Beda over Letran in Pinoyliga Cup

The San Beda University defeated the Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 84-78 at Pinoyliga Cup Division A 40 up at STI Sta Mesa, Sunday afternoon. 

Player of the Game Richie Melencio registered a double double of 16 points and 17 rebounds while Shintaro Dela Cruz topscored for San Beda with 28 points. 

It was a close contest throughout the game with both teams countering each other’s offense and defense with San Beda taking a one point lead at the end of the first quarter, 20-19 behind combined 14 points from Dela Cruz and Melencio. 

Jonathan Aldave and Ronjay Enrile, members of the 2003-2004 Letran championship team, came up big in the second period for Letran but Dela Cruz had 13 points of his own to keep San Beda on top by two at halftime, 47-45. 

Both teams continued to exchange baskets in the second half. Aldave scored 11 points for Letran in the third while San Beda got points from multiple players enroute to a four point lead entering the fourth quarter, 68-64. 

San Beda proved to be steadier at the end as Dela Cruz and Melencio paved the way for San Beda’s win. 

The Scores: San Beda 84 - Dela Cruz 28, Melencio 16, Gonzales 11, Reroma 10, Calaguio 7, Racho 6, Cristobal 3, Nabung 3, Capistrano 0, Santos 0, Roldan 0, Medina 0.

Letran 78 - Aldave 27, Enrile 18, Valdes 12, Sta. Cruz 9, Cruz 5, Coner 3, Mheng 2, Justiniani 2, Manuel 0, Le 0, Evidente 0, Picache 0, Paredes 0.