THE SAN BEDA Red Lions overwhelmed the Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) Pirates on both ends of the floor, cruising to a 91–67 blowout to secure their semis ticket in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 101 seniors’ basketball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena last November 27.
Despite holding a twice-to-beat edge, the Red Lions left no room for another upset, dismantling the same Pirates squad that beat them in their last meeting.
The opening quarter became a stage for Bryan Sajonia in his first game back from injury, as he delivered a circus lay for the match’s opening basket and later added a quick-cut finish to build early momentum. Alongside team captain Yukien Andrada, they opened the quarter with quick scoring, as Andrada knocked down his first three-point shot of the game.
Intense opening-quarter action had both teams trading baskets, with players fighting for control on every possession. Near the period’s end, the Lions converted a defensive stop into a fast break, finishing with a powerful two-hand slam from Agjanti Miller to close the quarter with a 17-10 lead.
Coming into the second quarter, the Red Lions and Lyceum Pirates clashed intensely. Miller opened the period with a three-pointer, quickly answered by a sprint layup from Renz Villegas, but Miller struck again with another three, countering the Pirates’ resilience.
Andrada caught fire late in the second quarter, scoring consecutive baskets, attacking the paint, and knocking down shots from deep.
With a relentless pursuit of triumph, the Red Lions dominated the first half, countering every challenge the Pirates posed and building a lead of up to 11 points by the end of the second quarter, 51-40.
Entering the second half, the Red Lions displayed a defensive masterclass and an all-around offensive performance to extend their lead against LPU..
The third quarter highlighted the Red Lions’ suffocating defense, which stifled the Pirates’ offense while showcasing their physical prowess through smart positioning and relentless rebounding. Bismarck Lina and Daniel Celzo dominated the boards, denying the Pirates any second-chance opportunities.
Despite the Pirates’ best efforts, the Red Lions limited every opportunity, holding them to just 11 points in the quarter and closing it with a 73-51 lead.
The Red Lions continued to hound every possession, leading emerging victorious over the LPU Pirates, 91-67, to secure their spot in the NCAA Final Four.
With 20 points and six three-pointers, Andrada spearheaded the Red Lions’ offense and later reflected on his impact and leadership role as team captain.
“My main motivation today was to get revenge against LPU. They beat us in the elimination round and I think I kind of took that personal also. And I know that LPU, their defensive game plan, I know that I’ll be really open on those threes. So my mindset was just be ready for the passes of my teammates.” He said.
After a strong performance in the quarterfinals, the San Beda Red Lions are set to face the De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde (CSB) Blazers in a best-of-three matchup in the Final Four on Tuesday, December 2, 2:30 p.m., at the Araneta Coliseum.
Quarter Scores – 17-10, 51-40, 73-51, 91-67
San Beda 91 – Andrada 20, Miller 18, Lina 15, Sajonia 13, Reyes 4, Gonzales 4, Calimag 4, Celzo 4, Etulle 3, Songcuya 3, Jamora 3.
Lyceum 67 – Barba 13, Villegas 11, Versoza 8, Moralejo 8, Daileg 7, Montaño 5, Peñafiel 5, Aviles 4, Paulo 3, Abregana 3.