San Beda’s Bryan Sajonia. Photo from NCAA Philippines

MANILA (UPDATED) — San Beda University returned to the win column of the NCAA Season 100 by outlasting San Sebastian College-Recoletos.

The Red Lions tamed the Golden Stags, 85-75, during their men's basketball tournament clash on Saturday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

Bryan Sajonia fired 26 points, three of which came in crunch time, on top of eight rebounds, four assists, two steals, and a block to help San Beda improve to 2-1 in the standings. 

"It's nice that they were able to hit huge shots," said SBU head coach Yuri Escueta of Sajonia and Richi Calimag who both hit crucial three-pointers in the clutch to extend their lead to nine, 79-70, with only a minute and 13 left in the game.

Meanwhile, Yuki Andrada followed with 21 markers, 11 boards, and a steal to help the Yuri Escuata-coached squad bounce back from their previous defeat against College of St. Benilde. 

However, for Escueta, all of his troops must step up more for them to discover their identity as the season progresses. 

"In terms of leadership, we expect everyone to lead, especially yung mga veterans. Wala namang [instructions na]: 'Ikaw dapat, siya dapat.' Ang leadership comes from the whole group," he explained.

This was indeed what worked for the Red Lions in fending off the Stags who almost erased their once-14-point lead to two, 68-66, after a trey by Reymart Escobido at the 3:18 mark of the fourth.

The defense of the defending champions was also admirable, with San Beda forcing San Sebastian to shoot only 29.9% from the field. 

Adding to the woes of the Stags, unfortunately, was spitfire guard Paeng Are being limited to only 24:58 minutes of action before fouling out in the final frame. 

Previously averaging 27.5 points per outing, he was stuck at nine points together with four assists, two rebounds, and two steals. 

On the other hand, Reggz Gabat led SSC-R with 19 points, three rebounds, and one steal. They moved down to 2-1 and absorbed their first loss of the year. 

The scores:

San Beda 85 – Sajonia 26, Andrada 21, Puno 12, Payosing 7, Estacio 6, Royo 4, Rc. Calimag 4, Ri. Calimag 3, Culdora 2, Songcuya 0, Bonzalida 0, Celzo 0

San Sebastian 75 – R. Gabat 19, Escobido 14, Aguilar 11, Are 9, Felebrico 9, L. Gabat 8, Ricio 3, Velasco 2, Maliwat 0, Lintol 0, Pascual 0, Suico 0, Barroga 0.

Quarters: 21-12; 42-31; 58-51; 85-75.