AFTER A HUMBLING defeat in the first round, the San Beda Red Lions crushed the Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Generals in a lopsided 89-59 victory, bolstering their spot in the final four standings in Round 2 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 100 seniors’ basketball tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Center last November 6.
Breakout performer Emman Tagle emerged as the best player of the game with 20 points on five treys. Supporting him were Bismarck Lina who staged an 18-point comeback after his ejection in the previous game against the Mapúa Cardinals, and Yukien Andrada who added 14 points.
The Red Lions came in hot during the first quarter, quickly establishing a commanding lead and closing the round with a solid seven-point advantage.
Coming into the second quarter, the Lions, led by Tagle, fired back-to-back shots, fueling their offensive surge with a formidable 48-29 finish. The Generals struggled to escape the grit of the Mendiola Cagers, despite their defensive pressure.
The Lions held their momentum strong during the second half, hammering a 31-point lead by the third quarter. Sweeping the game and shutting down any chance of a comeback, they sealed their win with a whopping 89-59 scoreline, ending the game with a 30-point lead.
In a post-game interview with The Bedan, Tagle expressed “pride in steering the team to victory,” reflecting on his performance despite a rough start to the season.
“I’m happy kasi buong season nagsstruggle talaga ako sa performance ko eh so, unti-unti nagsimula kami sa practice and preparations, so ‘yun ‘yung naging outcome sa game. If you prepare well, it shows in the game,” he expressed
With the team’s goal of clinching a spot in the final four, he emphasized their strategy of “taking it one game at a time,” focusing on maintaining a triumphant mindset as they maneuver through the playoffs.
Meanwhile, Head Coach Yuri Escueta emphasized the “improved defensive play” which was a key factor in the Lions’ statement win.
“[We just focused] on the defensive side because we were not able to win the first round, and [we] executed [our plays] much better offensively.”
He also hopes for the Red Lions to continue building on their progress and maintaining their health to solidify their position in the final four standings.
The Mendiola-based squad are set to seize victory in their remaining games, with higher stakes in sight as they battle for a strong second round finish. Their next challenge comes in a head-to-head match with their long-time rivals, the Letran Knights, this Sunday, November 10, 2:30 p.m. at the same venue.
(with Cass Manao)
Quarter Scores: 24-17, 48-29, 66-35, 89-59
San Beda 89 – Tagle 20, Lina 18, Andrada 14, Royo 9, Puno 9, Songcuya 6, Tagala 5, Gonzales 3, Jalbuena 3, Payosing 2
Emilio Aguinaldo 59 – Gurtiza 10, Pangsanjan 10, Doromal 6, Bacud 6, Quinal 5, Loristo 5, Oftana 5, Ednilag 4, Ochavo 2, Jacob 2, Postanes 2, Lucero 2