AN UNCHARACTERISTICALLY ICE cold San Beda Red Lions suffered a stinging game one defeat at the hands of the Mapúa University (MU) Cardinals, 63-68, in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season (NCAA) 99 Seniors Basketball Championship last Wednesday, December 6, at the SM Mall of Asia (MoA) Arena.
James Payosing led the charge with his second consecutive double-double performance of 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Jomel Puno and Jacob Cortez each contributed with 12 points. Yet the Red Lions remained ice cold from beyond the arc, only making five of 32 three point attempts.
Clifford Jopia began the scoring for the Red Lions, garnering six quick points in the paint while key free-throw opportunities from Puno and Alex Visser placed the Red Lions in a comfortable position, just three points behind the relentless Cardinals.
On the other hand, Yukien Andrada’s dagger helped put the Lions in a deadlock between the Cardinals, 17-all, with just 28 seconds left in the first quarter.
Puno slashed his way in the second quarter to put the Red Lions in their biggest lead of the game, with eight points, 29-21. However, an unsportsmanlike foul call on Damie Cuntapay gave the Cardinals one free throw plus possession, slowly chipping away at the Red Lions’ lead.
San Beda could not contain Mapua’s perimeter shooting as they closed in on the Red Lions, with a 15-2 surge in the second quarter transitioning into third, ending the half at 31-36.
The Mendiola-based squad trailed by as much as 16 in the third, with crucial buckets from Payosing and a heave from Cortez in the last seconds, giving some hope at the end of the third, 48-59.
Emman Tagle maintained composure with a trey from beyond the arc and a driving layup to draw a foul and convert much needed free throws, tightening the deficit of the Red Lions to just three points, 63-66. Despite their best efforts, the Red Lions could not escape the Cardinals in turnover mistakes as they fell by five, 63-68, as the clock ran out in the fourth.
In a post-game interview, Coach Yuri Escueta took notice of the Red Lions’ slow start and misfiring woes, saying “we could have… made our open shots.” The master tactician also hopes for the Red Lions to tighten their defense and confidence in shooting open chances.
Puno, who displayed a heroic performance at the first half of the game, struggled on limiting turnovers throughout the rest, saying that “it’s my first time in the finals. I guess I got a little too… excited.”
Heading into game two, Red Lions standout James Payosing highlighted the team’s resilience and grit and his individual adjustment following the team’s shooting. “Sabi ko na mag-a-adjust ako for [sic] keep on attacking and look for teammates ‘pag may nag-help sa ’kin.”
The Red Lions will look to stay afloat in game two of the finals as they once again clash with the Mapúa Cardinals on Sunday, December 10, 2 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia (MoA) Arena.
(with Thirdy Pabilico)
Quarter Scores: 17-17, 31-36, 48-59, 63-68
San Beda 63 – Payosing 14, Cortez 12, Puno 12, Andrada 8, Jopia 8, Tagle 5, Cuntapay 2, Visser 2, Alfaro 0, Gonzales 0, Royo 0, Gallego 0
Mapua 68 – Escamis 18, Hernandez 16, Rosillo 15, Bonifacio 6, Recto 5, Cuenco 4, Soriano 4, Fornis 0, Dalisay 0