San Beda’s Jomel Puno. Photo from NCAA Philippines/Angela Davocol.

MANILA — San Beda University avoided another slump by overcoming its lifelong rivals.

The Red Lions overwhelmed Colegio de San Juan de Letran in a fierce encounter, 66-64, during their NCAA Season 100 men's basketball clash, Tuesday afternoon at the San Juan Arena.

Jomel Puno led the Mendiola-based team with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and two assists, while Daniel Celzo, Bryan Sajonia, Menard Songcuya, and Yuki Andrada posted eight markers each as the Red Lions improved to 4-3 in the team standings. 

"It's a testament to our defensive mentality," said San Beda head coach Yuri Escueta of the efforts that his boys showed to overcome a 51-41 deficit by the Knights in the third period.

The Red Lions prevented Letran from scoring nearly eight minutes in between the third and fourth periods while also charging on a 17-to-nothing run to produce a 58-51 lead, but for Coach Yuri, it is their defense that worked wonders for them. 

"May time na nag wo-worry kami na 'di kami maka shoot. So sinabihan ko sila na okay lang 'di maka-shoot, basta yung other side, 'di rin maka-shoot. Our stops were able to create transition points for us," he said. 

"It's the defensive mentality that we need to get back to if we want to make this season long for us."

The two squads eventually exchanged baskets in the end game, with Puno powering San Beda while Jimboy Estrada and Kevin Santos did the heavy lifting for Letran. However, it was Sajonia's triple in the last seconds of the game that eventually allowed Escueta to remain perfect in five games against CSJL since taking over their program in 2022.

San Beda’s Bryan Sajonia. Photo from NCAA Philippines/Angela Davocol.

"Si Bryan, 'di yan tatanggi sa tira. 'Di namin siya pinipigilan tumira. Pero it complements the hard work that he does, and sinasabihan namin siya na stay aggressive every time," Coach Yuri said. 

Meanwhile, this game halted Letran's win streak to three, and it put them at No.3 in the team standings as they sit at 5-3.

Santos did his best for the Knights by resetting his career-high at 18 on top of nine rebounds, three blocks, and three steals, while Jimboy Estrada remained steady with 16 markers, eight dimes, six boards, and a block.

Deo Cuajao, who attempted the three-pointer in the last 6.2 seconds that could've won Letran the game, contributed 12 markers — all from beyond the arc. Unfortunately, his final shot completely missed the rim. 

THE SCORES:

San Beda 66 – Puno 22, Celzo 8, Sajonia 8, Songcuya 8, Andrada 8, Payosing 6, Tagle 3, Estacio 3, Gonzales 0, Calimag 0, Tagala 0, Royo 0.

Letran 64 – Santos 18, Estrada 16, Cuajao 12, Nunag 7, Montecillo 5, Miller 4, Monje 2, Jumao-As 0, Go 0, Dimaano 0, Baliling 0.

Quarterscores: 20-16, 30-32, 49-51, 66-64.

RELATED VIDEO: