DESPITE BEING A nonbearing contest, the San Beda Red Lions took their second straight loss against the De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde Blazers (CSB), 62-70, in the penultimate match of the second round of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 100 seniors’ basketball tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Center last November 13.
Despite the unfortunate loss, the Red Lions successfully secured their spot in the final four, placing third due to the outcome of previous games played the day before the cagefest against the Blazers.
Bismarck Lina and James Payosing carried the offensive load for the team, scoring 17 and 12 points respectively. The team shot an inefficient 22/65 total field goals and 6/21 three-point field goals, contributing to the uphill game played by the red and white squad.
Both teams traded leads throughout the game, with the Red Lions soaring ahead, scoring 20-19 during the first quarter. While in the second quarter, Benilde Blazer took the lead with a 31-34 tally.
A long delay took place in the middle of the game in the third quarter due to a technical difficulty brought on by a buzzer needing quick repairs. Meanwhile, Benilde opened fire in the final two minutes of the third quarter, grabbing a three-pointer. However, their scoring run was stopped after fouling Red Lions player, James Payosing. The Mendiola-based squad trailed the Benilde Blazer, ending the third quarter strong with a score of 51-52.
It was a tight-knit affair during the opening moments of the fourth quarter, with the Red Lions taking a four-point lead late in the period. Despite having the lead, the Blazers went on an offensive run, leading 63-62 in the last three minutes of the contest.
Benilde’s offensive display only continued, scoring two three-pointers in crunch time giving them a 68-62 advantage with seconds remaining. The Red Lions played the foul game and failed to chip away the Blazer lead, succumbing to a 62-70 defeat.
When asked about his matchup against Benilde’s Allen Liwag both offensively and defensively, Lina responded “…siguro ano lang ‘yun, parang kusa lang dumating ‘yung offense. Part ng game plan na pumunta sa akin ang bola and part din sa game plan namin na i-stop si Liwag sa inside play.”
Lina, who was absent during round one, recognized the “physicality” of the game after playing. He emphasized “siguro ngayon, ramdam ko ‘yung physicality ng game kasi both offense and defense is parang sa offense, tinatake away nila ako ta’s sa defense, talagang gudguran sa ilalim para ma-limit ‘yung touches sa NCAA”
The Red Lions will look to end the elimination round on a high note as they face the San Sebastian College-Recoletos (SSC-R) Golden Stags this Saturday, November 16, 2:30 p.m., at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.
(with Myrna Ydwina Xialea Pelayo)
Quarter scores: 20-19, 31-34, 51-52, 62-70
San Beda 62—Lina 17, Payosing 12, Andrada 10, Estacio 7, Sajonia 6, Celzo 4, Songcuya 2, Puno 2, Gonzales 2
Benilde 70—Ancheta 18, Liwag 14, Sanchez 13, Ynot 10, Torres 5, Cometa 4 , Morales 3, Sangco 3