BOUNCING BACK FROM an earlier defeat in Round 1, the San Beda Red Lions roared to a decisive 79-65 victory over the Arellano University (AU) Chiefs, with a standout performance from Bismarck Lina to pave the way for their Round 2 resurgence in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 100 seniors’ basketball tournament last October 12 at the FilOil EcoOil Center.
The Mendiola-based squad started flaming hot at the onset of the second round with Lina amassing a total of 20 points and seven rebounds, further supplemented by Yukien Andrada and Jomel Puno who notched 15 and 14 points respectively.
Coming back from an ACL injury in his third game of the season, Lina reclaimed his dominance to earn the Best Player of the Game nod. Head Coach Yuri also lauded Lina’s “easier adjustment” heading into the game against Arellano. “More comfortable now. ‘Yun ‘yung difference. He was able to easily adjust.”
Lina also highlighted the “good chemistry” among his teammates, stating, “Kailangan may tiwala sa isa’t isa. Kapag binigay mo ang bola, tiwala ka na ma-shoot niya,” adding that, “we are well-guided by our coaches.”
In the first quarter, Yukien Andrada displayed an explosive kick-off, setting the tone for victory by tallying the first eight points for the team through double triples and an inside shot. However, the Chiefs fought back, closing the score to a tie of 8-8 after successive free throws and a shot from the paint.
The Arellano Chiefs managed to secure a three-point advantage against the Red Lions after a triple-double shot combo. However, the Lions were quick to retort with Lina beginning his pace with two layup shots and free throws.
The Red Lions widened the score margin to a seven-point lead to conclude the first at 23-16.
Continuing their momentum, the Red Lions began with a continuous offensive barrage, with Bryan Sajonia securing a shot from the deep, Puno sinking two charity shots and Andrada burying a triple to open 33-16. After a continuous exchange of shots, the 2nd quarter closed 41-29.
Seeking redemption at the onset of the third quarter, the Chiefs secured the first four points. The Lions, unwilling to give them any more leeway, inflated the already present gap.
After a seemingly endless streak, the third quarter ended 65-41.
The Mendiola-based squad had their biggest lead of 27 points at the start of the fourth quarter as they sustained their edge. However, in the latter half of the 4th quarter, the Chiefs surged with a sprint to close the gap to 76-62, capitalizing on the Lions unsuccessful free throw shots.
Jomel Puno, catching wind of the weakening gap, fired a corner three-ball, confirming the Lion’s victory and closing the game at 79-65.
Coach Yuri credited the Red Lions’ success to their “tightened defense” during the second and third quarters. “Sa defense namin in the second and the third. And being able to have the emphasis to give that ball inside. Especially when the defense allows it. “
Setting their sights on their next game, Coach Yuri asserted how much they view the LPU Pirates as “tough competition.” “We have to prepare for LPU. They played a good game against Letran. So that’s something we have to prepare for – their energy and their hustle.”
The Red Lions will continue to showcase their dominance in Round 2 as they battle against the Lyceum Pirates on Tuesday, October 15, 11:00 a.m., at the same venue.
Quarter Scores: 23-16, 18-13, 24-12, 14-24
San Beda 79 – Lina 20, Andrada 15, Puno 14, Sajonia 8, Payosing 7, Gonzales 4, Calimag RC 3, Songcuya 3, Estacio 2, Calimag Richi 2, Tagle 1
Perpetual 65 – Capulong 16, Ongotan 10, Valencia 9, Vinoya 6, Geronimo 5, Borromeo 4, Flores 4, Camay 2, Abiera 2, Libang 2, De Leon 2, Acop 2, Estacio 1
(With Samantha Calderon)