San Beda University has clawed its way back to the top of Group A, but the victory came at a potentially significant cost.
The defending champions opened the final round of eliminations with a 75-71 escape over José Rizal University in the NCAA Season 102 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
However, the Red Lions suffered a potential major blow to their campaign when point guard Jimmy Reyes was stretchered off the court in the fourth quarter. Teammate JC Bonzalida had tripped and accidentally hit him in the head.
The incident came shortly after Allan Laurenaria was called for a flagrant foul on Reyes.
“We’re not complaining; it’s something we have to embrace,” said head coach Yuri Escueta on JRU’s physicality.
“Sobrang unfortunate yung nangyari kay Jimmy. I hope he’s okay,” added Aldous Torculas, who led San Beda with 15 points and eight rebounds.
Despite losing Reyes, the Red Lions held their ground in the closing minutes after squandering a 21-point lead. They leaned on Zed Etulle’s late-game heroics to scratch out the victory and improve to 7-3 in Group A.
“We always talk about winning plays. Whether it be a rebound or defensive stop, it was big for us. Especially knocking down those four crucial free throws, this is good for us; this is good for Zed’s confidence,” said Escueta.
“Especially with the third round, we know how heavy these games are. As much as possible, we want to win convincingly, but that’s hard to do in the NCAA.”
The victory temporarily lifted the defending champions to the top of an increasingly competitive Group A standings. Still, San Beda knows there is little room for error as the playoffs approach.
For Torculas, reclaiming the top spot was a rewarding result of the team’s hard work, although the Red Lions remain focused on taking things one game at a time.
“Yun yung goal, our goal is to be number one. Noong nakuha namin, for me, sobrang saya ko. Pinagtrabahuhan namin ’yon eh,” Torculas shared.
Their next assignment presents yet another challenge. San Beda prepares to face Mapúa University, which handed the Red Lions a defeat in the first round.
With the final stretch of the eliminations underway, Escueta stressed the importance of maintaining their physical edge while keeping the team healthy.
“One game at a time. Next game namin is Mapúa, and we lost to them in the first round. So important din to. Now, we have to get healthy,” Escueta added.
“Winning time na ‘to. Laban na ng palakasan ng katawan at ng puso.”
Torculas echoed his coach’s emphasis on composure, pointing to the team’s ability to execute the crucial plays that ultimately secured the victory.
“Sinabi ko sa teammates ko, let’s stay composed. Pinakita namin na kaya namin yung winning plays na sinasabi ni coach,” he shared.
With Reyes’ availability uncertain, San Beda must now prepare for the possibility of navigating its upcoming games without its starting point guard.
Escueta, however, remains confident that the Red Lions have enough depth to make up for his potential absence.
“I told them that I believe in all of them. I believe that Kyle (Jamora) played well today. Penny (Estacio)’s there and Dom (Sarigumba)’s also there, so we have guards that can step up for Jimmy’s spot.”
