By MARK REY MONTEJO
San Beda bared its fangs and mauled Letran, 89-70, to draw first blood in the Finals of the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday, Dec. 10.
With their storied rivalry reignited at the Big Dome, the Red Lions didn’t waste time to unleash their might as they dominated early and seized a 22-9 first-quarter lead that they maintained till the final buzzer sounded to prevail with nary a trouble.
The Knights continued their counter but their efforts weren’t enough as San Beda built separation hard enough to be overhauled.
Game 2 is set this Saturday, Dec. 13, at the same arena, where the Mendiola-based squad tries to clinch its 24th overall crown, while Letran looks to extend their best-of-three title series.
A win for San Beda would lead them back to the zenith of success after winning the title two years ago when the team was still bannered by Jacob Cortez, who now plays for De La Salle University.
“I was happy with how we played defense at the start of the game and especially at the start of the third,” coach Yuri Escueta said.
“We do, however, have to do better in taking care of the ball because we’re giving them opportunities to score and it’s hard to play good defense if we’re careless with the ball,” he added.
Bryan Sajonia powered San Beda after collecting 17 points, six rebounds, and three assists, while Agjanti Miller, who eventually ejected in the payoff period, contributed 16 points on top nine rebounds, and two assists.
Nygel Gonzales also shone for the Yuri Escueta-mentored crew with 14 points, two rebounds, five assists, and one steal, while Jimmy Reyes and Penny Estacio added eight points apiece.
Competing in his first NCAA seniors finals, Titing Manalili took charge for Letran with 17 points, two rebounds, five assists, and four steals, while Jimboy Estrada and Jun Roque delivered 14 and 12 points, respectively.
The Knights struggled offensively with Kevin Santos being limited to just six points, and Mark Omega settling for four points.
Also a woe for the Knights was their three-point shooting as they only sank two in their 25 attempts beyond the arc – the Red Lions listed 9-of-31 in the same area.
The scores:
SAN BEDA 89 – Sajonia 17, Miller 16, Gonzales 14, Estacio 8, Reyes 8, Calimag 7, Celzo 6, Puno 6, Andrada 5, Lina 2, Etulle 0
LETRAN 70 – Manalili 17, Estrada 14, Roque 12, Santos 6, Gammad 6, Omega 4, Buensalida 2, Cuajao 2, Montecillo 2, Tapenio 2, Yusi 2, Gazzingan 1, Rosilio 0
Quarters: 29-19, 46-43, 68-48, 89-70.
