DESPITE THE ABSENCE of key players, the San Beda Red Lions dominated the Jose Rizal University (JRU) Bombers, 83-70, in Round 2 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 100 seniors basketball tournament last October 29 at the FilOil EcoOil Center.
With Nygel Gonzales’ injury in the previous game against Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) Pirates, Bismarck Lina’s ejection against the Cardinals, and now Sajonia’s recent injury, the Lions found themselves short-handed in a crucial game against the Bombers.
Yet, despite their misgivings, the Red Lions flexed their squad depth, tallying 43 points off the bench.
Going against the Bombers at the beginning of the game, JRU overtook the Red Lions by one point, 17-18, but soon fell short in the second quarter with a 15-point difference of 46-31.
The momentum continued in the second half, where the Red Lions led 69-53 in the third quarter that ended with JC Bonzalina’s three-pointer.
A tougher defense from the Lions brought themselves a victory of 83-70 in the final quarter, silencing any comeback attempt by the buzzer.
In a post-game interview Head Coach Yuri Escueta stressed the importance of this win after their Round 2 loss against the Mapúa Cardinals, giving his praise to players who stepped up.
“This game was very important for us especially… coming of ‘yung loss, tapos undermanned. May mga guys na nag-step up. I think AJ [Royo] played well, Emman [Tagle] also played well, RC [Calimag] started to play well,” he emphasized.
Season 99 Finals MVP James Payosing also had his moment, scoring 18 points, six rebounds, and three assists. Confident of his teammates’ strengths and weaknesses, he emphasized, “sanay naman kami sa team namin.”
“Sabi ko nga nung at the start of the game sa kanila, I didn’t want to mention that we were undermanned because… I had full confidence in the guys who were suited up and… alam ko naman that they’d be ready to play,” Head Coach Yuri reaffirmed.
Jomel Puno proved to be a reliable stalwart among the Lions in their win against the Bombers, notching 17 points, 12 rebounds, and an assist on 7/7 free throws.
The Mendiola-based squad will look to solidify their final four chances in third place as they face off against the Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Generals on Wednesday, November 6, 2:30 p.m., at the same venue.
Quarter Scores: 17-18, 46-31, 69-53, 83-70
San Beda 83–Payosing 18, Puno 17, Tagle 9, RC Calimag 8, Royo 7, Estacio 5, Andrada 5, Bonzalina 5, Celzo 5, Songcuya 2, Culdora 2
Jose Rizal 70–Argente 16, Guiab 13, Raymundo 9, Bernardo 8, Panapanaan 6, Sarmiento 4, Barrera 4, De Leon 4, Medina 2, Ramos 2, De Jesus 2