HEAD COACH YURI Escueta expressed his “frustrations” over the team’s “lack of adjustments” as the San Beda Red Lions fell to the Arellano University (AU) Chiefs, 70-72, in Round 1 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 100 seniors’ basketball tournament last September 28 at the FilOil EcoOil Center.
Following this defeat, the Red Lions now found themselves in the middle of the Round 1 table with three wins and three losses.
“It’s a challenge for the threes. So, we have to do a better job defending the post one-on-one. But ‘yun nga, it’s accountability for all of us, even as coaches,” Head Coach Yuri Escueta expressed in a post-game interview with The Bedan.
He also pointed out that the team struggled to make the necessary adjustments during the game. “We should have adjusted; players should have played better 1-on-1 defense and team defense. At the start of the game, we have to play smarter. At halftime, we have to play smarter,” he added.
The Red Lions came out strong in the first quarter, jumping to a 24-19 lead with efficient shooting and disciplined defense. However, the Chiefs quickly found their rhythm in the second quarter, outscoring the Red Lions 17-10 to close the gap, keeping the game within reach by halftime, 34-36.
San Beda’s offense struggled in the second quarter, missing key opportunities and failing to establish a strong inside presence, which allowed Arellano to claw back into contention.
Despite a promising 16-point performance in the third quarter, San Beda couldn’t extend their lead as Arellano matched them with 14 points, keeping the game on a knife’s edge heading into the final quarter, 50-50.
In a tense fourth quarter, Arellano mounted a late push, outscoring San Beda 22-20 to seize control of the game in the final minutes. While the Red Lions fought hard to close the gap, the Mendiola cagers failed to capitalize on crucial possessions key free throws to shift the momentum.
Unable to rally in the final seconds, the Red Lions fell short, absorbing a narrow 70-72 loss to the Chiefs. This defeat marked another tough blow for San Beda, who had hoped to maintain their winning form in Round 1 of NCAA Season 100.
Reflecting on the foul situation, Escueta acknowledged the team’s difficulty in managing the calls. “Isang field goal lang nga natin sila noong first quarter. Kung hindi naman, ang dami nang binigay na foul. Puro free throw binigay namin,” he said.
Despite their misfortunes, Jomel Puno led the pack with an impressive 20-point scratch, adding six rebounds and two assists. Behind him were RC Calimag, who contributed 14 points and one assist, and Bryan Sajonia, who chipped in 9 points, five rebounds, and two assists.
Looking ahead, the Red Lions aim to regroup and come back stronger for their next game on Tuesday, October 1, 2:30 p.m. against the Letran Knights.
Quarter Scores: 24-19, 34-36, 50-50, 70-72
San Beda 70 – Puno 20, Calimag 14, Sajonia 9, Andrada 9, Payosing 5, Celzo 4, Estacio 3, Royo 2, Gonzales 2, Songcuya 2
Arellano 72 – Capulong 13, Ongotan 13, Geronimo 12, Abiera 9, Borromeo 7, Vinoya 6, Hernal 4, Libang 4, Acop 2, Valencia 2
(with Prince Piolo Tagarino)