 |
| Bryan Sajonia exploded anew for San Beda. NCAA |
SAN JUAN, MM––San Beda secured itself as the top seed of Group B heading into the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball quarterfinals after defeating Emilio Aguinaldo College, 96-82, at Playtime FilOil Centre on Wednesday.
The Red Lions won their third straight game to improve to a 9-3 record in Group B, successfully punching their ticket to the quarters with a twice-to-beat incentive.
San Beda won twice over College of St. Benilde, meaning even if the Blazers (8-4) tie the Red Lions’ win-loss record, they would still remain as the second-seeded team.
“This was our first goal, taking the top two spot, either one or two, in order to get that twice-to-beat advantage,” coach Yuri Escueta said.
“After this, our goal will be to win in the quarterfinals. We’ll take it one step at a time but our first goal has been achieved,” he added.
The Generals, who dropped to a Group B-worst 4-8 record, led San Beda by four to end the third frame, 73-69.
The Red Lions, however, would go on an explosive fourth period, scoring 27 points as a squad, all while limiting EAC to nine measly quarter points.
Bryan Sajonia dropped a game-high 26 points that went with four rebounds, four assists, and two steals. Yukien Andrada and Agjanti Miller helped San Beda’s cause with 17 points each.
Aldeo Lucero top scored for EAC in the loss with 14 points. Kyle Ochavo’s performance of 11 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals also went for naught.
The scores:
SAN BEDA 96 – Sajonia 26, Andrada 17, Miller 17, Reyes 12, Celzo 11, Culdora 5, Gonzales 3, Etulle 3, Lina 2, Calimag 0, Bonzalida 0, Estacio 0, Jamora 0
EAC 82 – Lucero 14, Ochavo 11, Tolentino 10, Bagay 9, Angeles 7, Oftana 6, Bacud 6, Castillo 6, Loristo 4, Quinal 3, Shanoda 2, Jacob 2, Postanes 2, Dominguez 0, Villarente 0
Quarterscores: 23-33, 47-54, 69-73, 96-82
