IN A CLASH between the respective champions of the National Collegiate Association of the Philippines (NCAA) and the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), the San Beda University (SBU) Red Lions fell short against the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers, 80-94, in the 17th FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup Quarterfinals held at the FilOil EcoOil Centre, June 8.
The Red Lions finished third against their NCAA counterparts with six wins and three losses, placing them in the same bracket as the reigning UAAP champions.
John Bryan Sajonia opened the scoring for the Red Lions with a quick mid-range two. La Salle answered with a three of their own.
It was the same situation once again as the two sides failed to establish a solid lead in the first few minutes of action. However, the Green Archers started to gain momentum, capitalizing on their offensive boards with a 14-5 surge.
Nygel Gonzales managed to combat the growing lead with a snappy lay-up, drawing a foul and converting a point from the charity stripe, 15-24.
Fortunately, the Red Lions fought back and closed the gap, 25-26, as RC Calimag drained two from beyond the arc. JC Bonzalida and Lawrence Hawkins also contributed with a layup apiece. Quickly sensing the impending lead, the Green Archers were able to capitalize on free throws from fouls committed by the Red Lions, ending the first quarter 25-31.
The Archers widened the gap by the second quarter, finding themselves with a 9-point lead against the Mendiola-based squad, 27-36. Yukien Andrada then led the momentum shift for the Lions with four points, coupled by James Payosing’s driving layup and Emman Tagle’s jumper three, putting the Red Lions in a measly two-point lead, 36-34.
The second quarter eventually found the cold-shooting Red Lions offensively maneuvered by the Green Archers, finishing the second half with a 17-point deficit, 39-56.
Despite valiant efforts given by the Red Lions, the Taft Squad were relentless in their onslaught, stretching the gap to a 24-point rift by the end of the third quarter, 59-83. With their backs behind the wall, the Red Lions eventually hit their stride minutes into the fourth quarter.
Closing in on the score differential, Zane Jalbuena came as a breath of life, scoring five points via an easy floater and three of his own. Sajonia also came through with a three-pointer to cut the deficit down to 15, 73-88.
In the end, the Menidiola-based squad’s comeback attempt was left in vain, ending the game with a devastating 80-49 defeat.
Sajonia led the Red Lions in their defeat against the Green Archers, tallying 15 points. James Payosing, Andrada, and Jalbuena chipped in at 10 points each. The match set the elimination of the San Beda Red Lions in the Quarterfinals of the 2024 FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup, despite their strong showing in the NCAA bracket.