San Beda University handed San Sebastian College-Recoletos its first loss in the NCAA Season 100 Seniors Basketball Tournament, securing an 85-75 victory to bounce back on Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The reigning champions neutralized San Sebastian’s fiery guard duo of Paeng Are and Raymart Escobido, while former FEU Tamaraw Bryan Sajonia, delivered a career-high 26 points.
Sajonia, starting in place of the injured Nygel Gonzales, who was sidelined with an ankle injury, quickly proved his worth in coach Yuri Escueta’s lineup. His defense played a key role in limiting Are and Escobido to just 3-of-11 shooting in the first half.
San Beda built a commanding 14-point lead in the third quarter, 55-41, after a pair of free throws from James Payosing with 4:29 left.
However, the Golden Stags mounted a comeback, trimming the lead to just three points late in the fourth quarter. A layup from Reggz Gabat with 2:11 remaining brought the score to 73-70, making it a one-possession game.
The Red Lions responded swiftly with back-to-back three-pointers from rookies Sajonia and Ricci Calimag, sealing the game and securing San Beda’s second win of the season.
Sajonia not only contributed offensively but also filled up the stat sheet with eight rebounds, four assists, two steals, and a block.
San Beda’s veteran big man Yukien Andrada also had a stellar performance, posting a 21-point, 12-rebound double-double.
Jomel Puno added 12 points and eight boards, further bolstering the Red Lions’ frontcourt presence.
With this win, San Beda bounced back from a close loss to College of Saint Benilde and now holds a 2-1 record.
The Red Lions will face Emilio Aguinaldo College on Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
For San Sebastian, Reggz Gabat led the way with 19 points on 8-of-15 shooting.
Despite an off night, Escobido still contributed 14 points and seven rebounds, while Ameer Aguilar added 11 points.
Paeng Are struggled, finishing with nine points on 2-of-11 shooting.
The Golden Stags, now also at 2-1, will look to regroup when they face Jose Rizal University on Wednesday at 2:30 p.m., also at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The Scores:
San Beda 85 – Sajonia 26, Andrada 21, Puno 12, Payosing 7, Estacio 6, Royo 4, RC Calimag 4, Ricci Calimag 3, Culdora 2, Songcuya 0, Bonzalida 0, Celzo 0
San Sebastian 75 – Gabat R. 19, Escobido 14, Aguilar 11, Are 9, Felebrico 9, Gabat L. 8, Ricio 3, Velasco 2, Maliwat 0, Lintol 0, Pascual 0, Suico 0, Barroga 0
Quarterscores: 21-12, 42-31, 58-51, 85-75
