HEAD COACH YURI Escueta reminded the team to embody the “next-shot mentality” as the San Beda Red Lions relied on their offensive power late to defeat the Jose Rizal University (JRU) Heavy Bombers, 65-56, in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 101 seniors’ basketball tournament at the FilOil Centre last November 15.
In an interview, Escueta stated that instead of dwelling on their lapses in the earlier quarters, he reminded the Red Lions to keep attempting shots, allowing them to drain crucial threes late to outlast the gritty JRU.
“If you’re open, keep shooting, don’t hesitate as long as you don’t dwell on that last miss,” he said.
Bryan Sajonia paced the Red Lions with 18 points, while Agjanti Miller added 16 points and eight boards, including two crucial three-pointers that helped the Mendiola squad gain breathing room in crunch time.
Sajonia set the tone for the Red Lions early with aggressive drives, while Miller supported him by converting free throws to help build a comfortable lead during the opening minutes. Their contributions allowed San Beda to maintain control even as JRU mounted a late run, ending the first quarter with a narrow 19–18 lead.
The second quarter continued at a tight pace, with both teams trading baskets. JRU managed to take a slim 23–22 lead after capitalizing on a Red Lions’ defensive lapse. But San Beda quickly regained control with stray execution on both ends, allowing the Mendiola-based squad to close the half ahead at 33-29.
Refusing to back down, JRU returned in the third quarter with renewed energy, attacking the Red Lions’ defense and drawing fouls that led to several free-throw opportunities. San Beda struggled with foul trouble during this stretch, which slowed down their offense and made it harder to build momentum.
Still, the Red Lions held firm on key possessions, contesting shots and preventing JRU from breaking away. With both teams struggling to create separation, the quarter ended in a 42–42 deadlock.
Unleashing their full fangs in the final quarter, the Red Lions broke down JRU’s defense, with Miller’s open looks helping create a sizable gap. Strong defensive stops limiting the JRU offense allowed San Beda to pull ahead and seal the 65-56 victory.
Despite being satisfied with the team’s performance, Escueta also reflected on the things that the Red Lions could improve upon in their next game, particularly in securing key defensive stops without fouling.
“We need to be able to defend with more discipline than not fouling. And of course get those stops,” he said.
The Red Lions will look to solidify their twice-to-beat advantage as they continue their campaign against Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Generals on November 19 at the same venue.
Quarter scores: 19-18, 33-29, 42-42, 65-56
San Beda 65 – Sajonia 18, Miller 16, Reyes 7, Andrada 7, Etulle 6, Lina 5, Calimag 3, Valioces 2, Celzo 1
JRU 56 – Laurenaria 10, Herrera 7, Argente 5, Salvador 4, Sarimento 3