Janti Miller put on a scoring clinic to lead San Beda University to a 79-70 victory over defending champions Mapua University in the NCAA Season 101 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The 21-year-old rookie from California erupted for 16 of his 20 points in the first half, shooting an impressive 63.6% from the field, including four three-pointers. He capped San Beda’s early surge with a triple that extended their lead to 34-16 at the 8:08 mark of the second quarter.
Miller wasn’t the only one lighting it up from deep. Yukien Andrada and Jimmy Reyes also hit from beyond the arc, while Jomel Puno drained midrange jumpers, helping the Red Lions rack up 28 perimeter points in the first two periods.
“It’s always a welcome sight and a very positive sign for our team, knowing that they are the defending champions. Yung crossover, I just told them that these teams not in our bracket, we can’t take them easily,” San Beda head coach Yuri Escueta said about the team’s win over the Cardinals.
Mapua responded with intensity in the third quarter, opening with a 10-3 run and closing the gap to 59-58 on a Drex Delos Reyes basket with 1:14 remaining, part of an 11-0 run.
But Miller once again answered the bell for San Beda, knocking down a transition pull-up jumper to restore order. A follow-up three-pointer from Penny Estacio then gave the Red Lions a 64-58 cushion.
“As much as I’d like our team to play these types of games, pwede siguro na dire-diretso na lang kami lamang. But I’m happy on how they were able to regroup and compose ourselves, that showed we were ready to step up in those moments,” Escueta added, praising the Red Lions’ composure against a tough Mapua squad.
The win boosted San Beda to the top of Group B with a 4-1 record, holding a half-game lead over the Benilde Blazers.
“It’s just the eliminations, still a long way to go. It’s good for our confidence that we can beat these teams, but it doesn’t mean anything. The important thing is the last game of the season,” Escueta said regarding their wins over top teams.
San Beda will return to the court a week from today to face the Arellano Chiefs at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Meanwhile, Mapua fell to 3-2 but still holds second place in Group A. Mark Cuenco led the Cardinals with 13 points, most coming in the third quarter, while Earl Sapasap and Cyril Gonzales added 11 and 10 points, respectively.
The biggest disappointment for Mapua was Clint Escamis, who scored just two points and failed to convert a single field goal in 24 minutes of action.
Mapua will face the streaking Letran Knights on Tuesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The Scores:
San Beda 79 – Miller 20, Gonzales 11, Puno 9, Andrada 8, Lina 8, Estacio 7, Calimag 7, Reyes 4, Etulle 2, Sajonia 2, Celzo 1, Culdora 0
Mapua 70 – Cuenco 13, Sapasap 11, Gonzales 10, Delos Reyes 8, Nitura 7, Concepcion 7, Recto 6, Igliane 4, Escamis 2, Lazarte 2, Gulapa 0
Quarterscores: 26-16, 49-34, 64-58, 79-70
