AFTER A HISTORIC opening ceremony for the centennial Season 100 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the San Beda Red Lions touted their reloaded roster with a statement 79-63 victory over hosts Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) Pirates to open their back-to-back title defense in Round 1 of the seniors’ basketball tournament on Saturday, September 7, at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena.
Following a set of performances from SB19’s Justin de Dios and P-Pop group G22, the NCAA also celebrated its historic centennial marker by paying homage to each member schools’ decorated athletes who “contributed to the development of Philippine sports.” Most notably, the league honored San Beda legend Baser Amer (represented by current Team Captain Yukien Andrada), who led the Red Lions in winning four NCAA titles.
The Mighty Red Lions, with a mix of new recruits and key holdovers, proved themselves as the title contenders in their quest to defend their NCAA Season 99 crown.
Bryan Sajonia, a prized recruit from Far Eastern University (FEU), led the revamped Lions in their debut win against the Pirates with a game-high of 18 points and five rebounds. San Beda also found success in reliable stalwart Yukien Andrada, who tallied 13 points and six boards.
Right off the bat, Nygel Gonzales scored the first points for this season with a contested three from deep, steering the momentum in favor of the Red Lions.
The Mendiola squad would continue to punish the Pirates with offensive power, securing an 18-point lead to end a dominant first quarter, 29-11.
Despite the Pirates’ efforts to cull the deficit, they would prove to be no match against the Red Lion’s mastery from downton, shrugging off a valiant attempt from Lyceum as they capped off the game with a 16-point display of prowess against LPU, 79-63.
Humbled as the top scorer of the game, Sajonia believes that there is still more to improve for the Lions, saying “Masaya kami na nakuha namin ‘yung panalo. Pero hindi pa tapos [ang season at] marami pa kaming aayusin nina Coach Yuri…and ayun nga, ‘yung chemistry namin [as a team] nandoon na pero may mga kulang pa din kami.”
Nevertheless, he remains “grateful” for a solid first game, since this will “likely build his confidence in playing for San Beda for the whole season.”
Lastly, Coach Yuri Escueta proudly noticed the Red Lions’ team chemistry for the season, saying, “Kahit sinong mag laro saamin magiging fit naman yun eh. So trabaho na naming Coaches na mag fit yun.” Moreover, he also recognized Sajonia’s commendable NCAA debut, citing his “talent and skill level.”
The Red Lions will be looking to ride on their first-game high as they face off against fellow title contenders, the De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Blazers this Tuesday, September 10, 2:30 p.m. at the FilOil EcoOil Center.