THE SAN BEDA Red Lions weathered a late comeback charge against the San Sebastian Golden Stags to return to their winning ways, 85-75, in Round 1 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 100 seniors’ basketball tournament last September 14 at the FilOil EcoOil Center.
Yukien Andrada registered a double-double performance of 21 points, 11 rebounds, and a steal to earn the Player of the Game honors. Meanwhile, rookie Bryan Sajonia amassed a game-high 26 points, four assists, and two steals to propel the Red Lions to their second NCAA win.
A red-hot Andrada set the tone early with a three right off the gate, but the Golden Stags quickly retaliated with a trey of their own.
The Red Lions went head-to-head in a tightly contested game against the Stags, maintaining a one-point margin. However, they maintained their composure and mustered a flurry of shots, ending the first quarter 21-12 to pull through.
Seeking to capitalize on their lead, the Red Lions electrified the second quarter, with Richi Calimag dishing a dime to brother Rc to connect the succeeding shot. Both teams traded blows, but the Red Lions were more aggressive, earning a double-digit lead to close the half, 42-31.
With the Red Lions widening the gap, the Golden Stags set a counterattack in the third quarter, draining two shots from deep and hitting consistent baskets from post to cut the 11-point margin to just five, 46-41.
However, the Mendiola cagers were quick to recover from this barrage, with Andrada earning two buckets inside the paint enabled by Sajonia.
The Red Lions, carrying this fiery streak, lobbed three successful charity shots to obtain the biggest lead of the game at 14 points. However, the Golden Stags caught wind of the once-again broadening lead, fighting back by the end of the third canto at 58-51.
In a panic-inducing sequence of events, the Golden Stags made significant headway, almost overtaking the Red Lions to make it a two-point game. The Red Lions, unwilling to give them any more leeway, sought the first opportunity they could in recovering their previous lead.
Seizing the opportunity, Sajonia converted a barrage of successful free throw shots before crowning it off with a bucket from behind the arc before the timeout, 76-70.
Despite the opportunity to re-steady themselves, the Red Lions took advantage of their scorching rhythm, with Richi Calimag draining a crucial three immediately after the timeout.
The Red Lions kept their cool and finished with a resounding 85-75 victory, quelling any further attempts at a late comeback from the Stags.
In a post-game interview, Sajonia stated that it was their “composure at the end of the game” that led them to their victory against the Stags. Moreover, he also cited their “gameplan,” which was allegedly absent during their previous game with Benilde. “So dun kami nag focus,” he added.
Now with a 2-1 standing, the Red Lions have their eyes set on continuing their momentum as they battle against the Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Generals on Tuesday, September 17, 2:30 p.m., at the same venue.
Quarter Scores: 21-12, 42-31, 58-51, 85-75
San Beda 85 – Sajonia 26, Andrada 21, Puno 12, Payosing 7, Estacio 6, Royo 4, Calimag 3, Culdora 2
San Sebastian 75 – Gabat 19, Escobido 14, Aguilar 11, Are 9, Felebrico 9, Gabat 8, Ricio 3, Velasco 2