Oftana scores career high as San Beda remains undefeated

The College of Saint Benilde Blazers had no answer for Calvin Oftana.

Since he checked in from the San Beda bench, the power forward from Negros Oriental torched Coach TY Tang’s crew with seven points to help build a 20-9 lead after the opening quarter. Boyet Fernandez’ troops kept piling onto their lead, eventually remaining undefeated in the NCAA Season 95 men’s basketball tournament, 88-57.

Oftana finished with a career-high 27 points to go with nine rebounds and two steals. He outscored the entire CSB starting rotation by himself, 27-22. AC Soberano and James Canlas add 14 and 11 points, respectively. Point guard Evan Nelle had another all-around game with eight points, six assists, three rebounds, and two swipes.

The 8-0 Red Lions had a scorching day from the field as they converted 48.6% of their shots, including 11 three-pointers. Meanwhile, the Blazers shot a dismal 30.5% overall and never breached the 20-point scoring mark in any of the quarters. Second chance points also went San Beda’s way, 10-0, so too did rebounds, 49-33.

Justin Gutang and James Pasturan led CSB’s attack with ten points apiece. Robi Nayve had eight while Clement Leutcheu made seven. San Beda will look to secure its ninth straight win when it clashes with the Mapua Cardinals on August 27, 2 pm. Meanwhile, Benilde (5-2) hopes to bounce back when they face the JRU Heavy Bombers on August 30 at 2 pm as well. Both games will be at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

(Photo credit: Josh Albelda, ABS-CBN Sports)