By: Miguel Caramoan
Fueled by Janti Miller’s career game, San Beda University once again showcased its dominance with a convincing 62-50 victory over San Sebastian College-Recoletos in the NCAA Season 101 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The 22-year-old rookie from Fairfield, California, led the Red Lions with 24 points and four rebounds, marking his third straight 20-point performance this season.
“I just want to show that I got heart, no matter if I’m scoring or not. I’m just going to be on the court, giving my all — all the time,” Miller said about his recent run of strong games.
Fil-Canadian Jomel Puno also turned in a stellar all-around effort, posting a double-double of 10 points and 17 rebounds, along with three assists, one steal, and one block.
San Beda established control early, with Miller scoring 10 points in the first quarter. Contributions from Puno, Ismael Culdora, and Zedjay Etulle pushed the Red Lions to a commanding 45-25 lead at halftime.
The Golden Stags attempted a comeback in the second half, cutting what was once a 23-point deficit to 14, 52-38, by the end of the third quarter. They narrowed it further to 54-46 after a Jhuniel Dela Rama free throw early in the fourth.
Then Miller took over, adding 10 more points to seal the win for San Beda.
The victory gives the Red Lions some breathing room atop Group B with a 6-1 record and marks their second consecutive win.
“I know you’ve been seeing Janti [Miller], Jomel [Puno], and Yuki [Andrada] that can really score, but it’s our defensive mindset that I’m really more proud of [them],” said San Beda head coach Yuri Escueta, praising the team’s defensive effort.
San Beda hopes to carry this momentum into a highly anticipated clash with the Perpetual Altas on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
“We still need to clean up some stuff offensively and defensively, which is good also kasi at least we still have room and things to be able to prepare for and get better,” Escueta added, emphasizing the team’s focus on continuous improvement.
Meanwhile, San Sebastian continues to struggle, suffering its fifth straight loss and dropping to the bottom of Group A with a 1-7 record.
The Golden Stags will close out their crossover play against a surging Letran squad on Wednesday, also at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The Scores:
San Beda 62 – Miller 24, Puno 10, Gonzales 6, Etulle 5, Culdora 5, Lina 4, Andrada 3, Calimag 3, Vailoces 2, Reyes 0, Tolentino 0, Estacio, Bonzalida 0
San Sebastian 50 – Dela Rama 12, Cuajao 10, Felebrico 8, Ricio 7, Nepacena 3, Segovia 3, Gabat 2, Castor 2, Lumanag 2, Dimaunahan 1, Cabilla 0
Quarterscores: 28-14, 45-25, 52-38, 62-50
