REBUILDING MOMENTUM AT the commencement of the crossover elimination round, the San Beda Red Lions bounced back from their loss against the Mapúa Cardinals with a 30-point rout of San Sebastian College-Recoletos (SSC-R) Golden Stags, 85-55, in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 102 seniors’ basketball tournament at the Playtime Filoil Centre last October 2.
The San Beda Red Lions capped off the initial round in third place, while the Golden Stags continued their season drought, ranking last in the overall league standings.
The game began neck-and-neck, with the Mendiola-based squad ending the opening quarter with a slim two-point cushion, 23-21, as Bismarck Lina broke the 21-21 deadlock through a low-post shot just seconds before the quarter ended.
The lead extended into the second quarter, with the Red Lions holding a 41-36 advantage at halftime. Despite a free-throw shooting performance that saw San Beda miss several opportunities, the Mendiola-based squad maintained its upper hand over the Golden Stags.
San Beda capitalized its trips to the free-throw line, making 23 points from 34 attempts compared to the Golden Stags’ 10 attempts. The Red Lions carried their five-point advantage into the second half as they continued to gain steam.
The Red Lions sustained their winning momentum as the third quarter concluded with a strong 14-point lead, 62-43. Jomel Puno ended the quarter with an additional 2-point advantage in a statement dunk, beating the clock and adding to the Red Lions’ growing advantage as San Sebastian struggled to keep pace
In a winning finish, the Red Lions hammered through their dominant performance to secure an 85-55 victory, punctuating their first game in the crossover elimination with a 30-point advantage.
Aldous Torculas delivered a player-of-the-game performance, contributing 18 points with six rebounds.
Torculas then looked back at the prior game with the Mapúa Cardinals, holding his head high as the team bounced back from their previous loss. “Sobrang grateful na nabigyan ng chance and nakabawi kami… Sobrang proud lang din ako sa team na talagang gusto nila bumawi,” he said.
San Beda Red Lions assistant coach Andre Santos shared sentiments looking forward to the next game with the long-time rival Colegio de San Juan de Letran (CSJL) Knights in a positive outlook, citing Letran Knight Jonathan “Titing” Manalili’s game presence remaining as a key factor in the upcoming game plan.
“It’s a big factor whether Manalili plays or not… In terms of tactics, it’s gonna be dependent on that din… but in terms of mentality, one thing is very clear, we want to come in that game again and use this game as a springboard. Play with a lot of confidence and play with a lot of energy,” assistant coach Andre said.
Manalili’s presence at the upcoming games of the Letran Knights remains uncertain following his wrist injury, which caused him to temporarily step out of action.
With the crossover eliminations now underway, the Red Lions turn their sights to the Letran Knights on Monday, October 5, at the Playtime FilOil Centre, rallying for another el clásico matchup.
Quarter Scores: 23-21, 41-36, 62-43, 85-55
San Beda 85 — Torculas 18, Reyes 9, Puno 8, Bonzalida 8, Marcelo 8, Lina 7, Jalbuena 5, Etulle 5, Dabao 5, Estacio 3, RC Calimag 3, Sarigumba 3, Hawkins 2, Calimag 1
San Sebastian 55 — Bacani 15, Muktimar 11, Ricio 9, Velasco 4, Gabat 3, Alforque 3, Cuya 3, Segovia 2, Kitane 2, Suico 2, Barroga1