Shintaro Dela Cruz regains touch, leads San Beda University A to a breakaway over University of St. La Salle

Shintaro Dela Cruz is back to his lethal form as he carried San Beda A to a victory over USLS, 81-67, for its maiden win in the 2022 Pinoyliga Cup Inter-Alumni Division B, Saturday afternoon at the Gatorade Hoops Centre in Mandaluyong.

The former MVP registered an enormous double-double performance including a game-high 21 points and 11 rebounds as he powered the Red Lion over the hapless St. La Salle.

San Beda A showed early domination in the 1st quarter by scoring 28 points against the 14 of St. La Salle. They also outrebounded their opponent 14 to 5 and dished off more assists 8 to 5 in the opening frame.

St. La Salle tried to stay in the game in the 2nd quarter by closing in on San Beda A, 17-19, and outscoring San Beda A in the 3rd quarter, 23-16.

But, San Beda A hangs on in the 4th Quarter to preserve the victory for the men from Mendiola.

Frontcourt partner Jerwin Agarao made his presence felt in the win as well with 13 points in an efficient 6/7 shooting from the field.

Chris Borja led the University of St. La Salle’s attack with 20 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals while shooting 57% from the field. Julius Teruel and Marvin Bajen backed him up with 12 and 9 points respectively but their efforts are not enough to stop the surging San Beda A.

The Scores:

San Beda A 81 – Dela Cruz 21, Agarao 13,Medina 9, Maggay 7, Cristobal 7, Manalo 6, Santos 4, Cajucom 4, Capistrano 4, Gonzalez 3, Maronilla 3

University of St. La Salle 67 – Borja 20, Teruel 12, Bajen 9, Muya 7 ,Talam 6, Tupas 5, Gacura 3, Sia 2, Enriquez 2, Cristal 1.