HEAD COACH YURI Escueta emphasized an “aggressive approach and defensive focus” as the San Beda Red Lions clinched a hard-fought 57-53 victory over the Perpetual Altas in Round 2 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 100 seniors’ basketball tournament on October 18 at the FilOil EcoOil Center.
The victory served as a bounce-back for San Beda, who suffered a narrow loss to the Lyceum Pirates in their previous outing and improved the Red Lions’ record to eight wins and four losses, solidifying their hold on third place in the standings.
Yukien Andrada led the Red Lions with 21 points, the only player in double digits, along with three rebounds, a steal, and an assist. Bismark Lina and Jomel Puno chipped in with nine and eight points, respectively.
“It was our defense, especially in the second quarter. I think we limited them to seven points, and that’s what fueled our offense,” said Escueta during a post-game interview with The Bedan.
He credited the team’s defensive stops for openings, which allowed Andrada to find his rhythm. “That’s what got Yuki [Andrada] open—from stops, getting those transition baskets easier, especially against this good defensive team.”
The Red Lions initially struggled, trailing 19-8 in the first quarter. However, they crawled back with a 21-7 run in the second period, fueled by Andrada’s 13 points to secure a 29-26 lead at halftime.
Their momentum was briefly interrupted by a concerning moment for the Altas when Shawn Orgo had to be stretchered off after sustaining a shoulder injury in a collision with Emman Tagle.
San Beda extended their dominance in the third quarter, building their largest lead at 44-31 following an RC Calimag three-pointer with 2:41 left. However, the Altas refused to go quietly, mounting a late rally in the fourth quarter to trim the deficit to 54-50 with 1:28 remaining.
San Beda had a chance to run down the clock, but an offensive foul by Andrada gave Perpetual a glimmer of hope. However, a missed a crucial three-point attempt that could have cut the deficit to one allowed the Red Lions to escape with the win. Penny Estacio then delivered the dagger with a three-pointer in the final minute, sealing the victory.
Reflecting on the win, Escueta noted the importance of aggressive play and defensive execution, especially after the heartbreaking 64-62 loss to LPU. “We really have to finish our defensive plays. We’ll get the rebounds. I thought I was going to see another LPU situation,” he said, underscoring the need for consistency in closing out games.
The Red Lions’ victory over the Altas bolstered their standing in the NCAA as they seek to maintain momentum in their Season 100 title defense. Accordingly, the Mendiola-based squad will look to extend their mastery once again over the Mapua Cardinals on Sunday, October 20, 2:30 p.m., at the same venue.
Quarter Scores: 8-19, 29-26, 44-38, 57-53
San Beda 57 – Andrada 21, Lina 9, Puno 8, Estacio 6, Calimag 6, Tagle 4, Sajonia 3
Arellano 53 – Gojo Cruz 14, Nuñez 11, Pagaran 10, Abis 7, Boral 4, Manuel 3, Montemayor 3, Pizarro 1