THE SAN BEDA Red Lions saw their fiery two-win start come to an end after a nail-biting 66-67 loss to the Jose Rizal University (JRU) Heavy Bombers in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 101 seniors’ basketball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena last October 10.
The Red Lions struggled to find their rhythm on both ends of the floor as the Heavy Bombers took charge early on in the first quarter, establishing a narrow 16-19 advantage.
JRU’s fast-paced offense and stable perimeter shooting set the tone, with Bryan Sajonia and Agjanti Miller keeping the Mendiola-based squad within reach with crucial baskets inside the paint.
The second quarter sustained the tight exchanges, with both teams trading runs, while the Bombers maintained their edge with a 33-37 lead by halftime. Despite their efforts to improve ball movement and defensive play, the Red Lions fell short to the Heavy Bombers’ consistent midrange shooting, keeping them behind at the break.
San Beda struggled to convert on open looks from beyond the arc, while JRU capitalized on second-chance points and fastbreak opportunities to hold control, maintaining their momentum in the third frame, extending their lead by nine, ending the third with a score of 55-46.
Refusing to back down, the Red Lions mounted a furious rally during the last minutes of the fourth quarter and clawed their way back, outscoring the Bombers 20-12. In the closing minute, the Red Lions momentarily staged redemption by a 66-64 advantage following a jumper by Bryan Sajonia, initially thought to be a three-point shot.
However, upon review, officials ruled that Sajonia’s foot had touched the line, counting the basket as two points. The call proved decisive as the Heavy Bombers capitalized on their possession to reclaim the lead, handing the Red Lions their first loss of the season in a heartbreaking 66-67 finish.
In a post-game interview with The Bedan, Sajonia, who led the Red Lions with 16 points, acknowledged that the team’s preparation played a major role in the game’s outcome.
“Siguro yung preparation namin, kasi the past two days na preparation namin sobrang sama talaga ng ineensayo namin, especially mentally; wala kami sa focus. Yun siguro, kailangan naming mabago ‘yon and kailangan namin ma-overcome yung mga ganon,” he said.
When asked about the team’s recovery, he emphasized unity and discipline as key factors. “Sabi ko lang sa kanila ‘stay together,’ ganun naman talaga eh,” he quipped.
Sajonia also noted that rest and recovery will be important before resuming their training.
“Yun nga kailangan namin ngayon magpahinga… sila Yukien, siguro by next game okay na sila. Balik sa ensayo and trabaho lang,” he added.
Now with a 2-1 record, the Mendiola-based squad will look to reform their play and bounce back against the Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Generals on October 14 at the Filoil Ecooil Center.
Quarter scores: 16-19, 33-37,46-55, 66-67
San Beda 66–Sajonia 16, Miller 13, Lina 13, Etulle 8, Gonzales 6, Reyes 4, Celzo 2, Culdora 2, Puno 2
JRU 67–Salvador 15, Lozano 13, Panapanaan 9, Argente 8, Garupil 7, Laurenaria 6, Herrera 5, Sarmiento 3, Castillo 1