THE SAN BEDA Red Lions continued their losing skid after succumbing to the Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) Pirates, 66-78, before returning to Group B in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 101 seniors’ basketball tournament at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on November 4.
The match opened with both teams trading baskets in a fierce back-and-forth, keeping the crowd on edge as the San Beda Red Lions held a slim 18–17 lead.
As the second quarter began, the pirates seized momentum, pulling ahead by five points to take a 36–31 lead.
In a decisive second half, the Red Lions had a chance to close the gap, but the Pirates held their ground and extended their lead by two.
As the final quarter unfolded, the LPU Pirates caught fire, making every possession count. Despite Agjanti Miller’s impressive effort, scoring 22 total points, the Mendiola-based squad couldn’t find the break they needed.
The Red Lions’ ball movement dismantled their opponent’s defense in the paint, showcasing teamwork and precision as Lina gained momentum throughout the game, scoring a total of 12 points, helping close their gap.
As the rain of threes from the Pirates poured in during the fourth quarter, the gap widened even further. The Red Lions’ defense faltered, and missed shots and costly turnovers, their comeback hopes immediately turned to dust, 66-78.
In light of the consecutive loss, Head Coach Yuri Escueta noted the shortcoming of the team in missing their shots.
“We have to make our shots, that’s it. We’re getting open shots the past two games, we just have to knock them down.”
Gearing up for their next matchup against the College of Saint Benilde (CSB) Blazers, Coach Yuri vows a greater performance from the team.
“I’m expecting that we show more effort than today’s game, we can’t start flat like this. The same thing happened with Perpetual so we have to have better starts. Bottom line is, we have to make our shots,” he said.
Despite the loss, the Lions remain at the top of Group B with a 6-3 record, tied with the CSB Blazers with the same record.
The Red Lions face the Benilde Blazers at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, November 7, at the FilOil EcoOil Center in their bid to regain their winning fotm form.
Quarter Scores: 18-17, 31-36, 51-58, 66-78
San Beda 66 – Miller 22, Lina 12, Andrada 6, Etulle 6, Vailoces 6, Sajonia 5, Gonzales 4, Reyes 2, Celzo 2, Jalbuena 1
Lyceum 78 – Moralejo 24, Montaño 15, Barba 10, Aviles 6, Gordon 6, Peñafiel 5, Versoza 4, Daileg 3, Aurigue 3, Villegas 2
(with Benedict Asher Ugaddan)