THE SAN BEDA Red Lions’ efforts proved insufficient against long-time rivals Colegio de San Juan de Letran (CSJL) Knights, losing 83-87 in a gritty matchup to conclude their final non-bearing game in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 101 seniors’ basketball classification round on November 23 at the FilOil Centre.
The Red Lions and the Letran Knights went head-to-head with intense physicality and a nonstop exchange of baskets, but the Mendiola squad’s later advantage quickly slipped away against the surging Knights.
Rookie sensation Agjanti Miller displayed an outstanding scoring performance yet again, delivering 34 points to reset his career high.
The first quarter started slow for the Red Lions, with the Letran Knights holding a double-digit lead at one point. Closing the quarter, the Red Lions went on a run, cutting the gap to five points, 21-26, as Penny Estacio drilled a buzzer-beating three-pointer.
Coming into the second quarter, the Red Lions carried their momentum, crippling the Letran Knights’ offense. Jimmy Reyes’ long-distance three-pointer put them ahead at the four-minute mark.
Battling for the lead in the first half, the Red Lions and Letran Knights did not shy away from their duel, trading blows and fighting for every possession. The second quarter ended with the Red Lions holding a three-point lead, 49-46.
The start of the third quarter showcased what San Beda basketball is all about, with second-chance points from offensive rebounds and the Red Lions’ constant presence all over the court. The quarter opened with two consecutive three-pointers and multiple defensive stops from the Red Lions.
Led by Miller’s offensive outburst, the Red Lions built a double-digit lead by the six-minute mark, sinking a step-back long two-pointer and a highlight-reel behind-the-back layup.
Nearing the end of the quarter, the Letran Knights made a push led by Jonathan Manalili, countering the Red Lions’ offense and tying the score 70–70 at the end of the third quarter.
As the fourth quarter began, the arena’s atmosphere intensified, with every possession counting and each minute of action set to determine the outcome of the battle of rivals. Yukien Andrada opened the quarter with a three-pointer, answering the five-point run by the Letran Knights.
Despite Miller’s offensive eruption and the Red Lions’ relentless resilience, it wasn’t enough, as the Letran Knights sealed the match, pulling away for an 83–87 victory in the second meeting of the rivalry matchup.
Despite ending the elimination round with a loss against their long-time rivals, Head Coach Yuri Escueta still expressed relief in finishing the elimination rounds at the number one spot.
“Of course, everytime we play ‘yung rival mo, you always want to win, but the important thing is we were able to end ‘yung elimination and be right where we want to be, dun sa number one spot,” he said.
Heading into the playoffs, the Red Lions hold a twice-to-beat advantage against the Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) Pirates following their play-in victory over the San Sebastian College – Recollets Golden Stags earlier today, November 25.
The Red Lions look to advance in the hunt for the championship in their quarterfinals matchup against the LPU Pirates on Thursday, November 27, at 2:30 p.m., at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena.
Quarter Scores: 21-26, 49-46, 70-70, 83-87
San Beda 83 – Miller 34, Reyes 12, Andrada 8, Gonzales 6, Estacio 6, Calimag 5, Culdora 4, Bonzalida 3, Celzo 2, Lina 2, Etulle 1
Letran 87 – Manalili 26, Santos 14, Cuajao 10, Roque 10, Estrada 9, Omega 8, Gammad 5, Buensalida 2, Alejandro 2, Tapenio 1