San Beda University got off to a blazing hot start in the NCAA Season 100 Seniors Basketball Tournament, dominating host school Lyceum of the Philippines University, 79-63, on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Red Lions roared out of the gates to start their title defense season, building a 20-point lead in the first half thanks to the hot shooting of Bryan Sajonia.
The former FEU Tamaraw quickly made his mark in the NCAA, scoring 12 points in just the first two quarters of his debut.
San Beda put the Pirates away early, using a 19-2 run at the end of the first quarter to seize all momentum, 29-11.
Lyceum’s veteran trio of John Barba, Renz Villegas, and Mclaude Guadana still managed to cut the lead to as low as four, 33-29.
However, San Beda weathered the storm and entered the halftime break with a 15-point lead, 44-29.
The defending champions refused to let Lyceum get close again, overwhelming head coach Gilbert Malabanan’s group with their depth.
The San Beda advantage grew to as much as 23 points in the fourth quarter, 75-52, after an RC Calimag three-pointer with 4:42 left on the clock.
Despite Sajonia’s impressive offensive performance, head coach Yuri Escueta believes his biggest impact was on the defensive end, where his versatility and tenacity shined.
“Well kaya naman namin siya kinuha dito, dahil sa, what he can do. Knowing Bryan, whatever he can do, rebound man yan, assist man yan, score man niyan gagawin niya eh,” explained Escueta.
“Pero ang nakita naming biggest strength sa kanya is yung defense niya. I think he was able to do a good job defensively regarding yung shooters ng LPU.”
Sajonia finished with 18 points and five rebounds in just 16 minutes off the bench for San Beda. Team captain Yukien Andrada was the only other Bedan in double digits, with 13 points and six rebounds.
Jomel Puno and Nygel Gonzales also made significant contributions. The 6’5 Filipino-Canadian Puno recorded six points and nine rebounds, while Gonzales added five points, eight rebounds, and three assists.
San Beda secured the first win of the NCAA’s centennial season, moving up the standings with a 1-0 record.
The Red Lions aim to build on their strong start in their next match-up against College of Saint Benilde on Tuesday at 2:30 PM at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
For Lyceum, Guadana’s career outing was not enough to match San Beda’s talent.
The 5-foot-11 sharpshooter nearly had a double-double, finishing with 22 points and nine rebounds. John Barba contributed 13 points.
The Pirates were unable to get revenge on the team that eliminated them in the Final Four last season, starting the standings with a 0-1 record.
They look to bounce back on Wednesday at 12:00 noon, also at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The Scores:
SBU 79 – Sajonia 18, Andrada 13, Payosing 8, Calimag RC. 8, Bonzalida 7, Puno 6, Gonzales 5, Songcuya 5, Estacio 3, Jalbuena 2, Celzo 2, Royo 2. Calimag Ri. 0, Tagle 0, Culdora 0.
LPU 63 – Guadana 22, Barba 13, Villegas 8, Montano 5, Bravo 5, Cunanan 3, Moralejo 2, Aviles 2, Pallingayan 1, Paulo 0, Gordon 0, Penafiel 0, Caduyac 0, Daileg 0.
Quarterscores: 29-11, 44-29, 59-44, 79-63
