MANILA – John Bryan Sajonia provided instant impact as San Beda University Red Lions dominated Lyceum of the Philippines Pirates, 79-63, at the start of NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Pavia, Iloilo City native finished with 18 points and five rebounds as the defending champions Red Lions moved to a share of top spot with the College of St. Benilde Blazers with 1-0 record.
Aside from Sajonia, a transferee from Far Eastern University Tamaraws, graduating guard Yukien Andrada also made his presence felt offensively with 13 markers for the Red Lions.
The Red Lions were scorching in the opening period as they quickly jumped to a 29-11 advantage. The defending champions maintained their aggression in the second frame for a 44-29 halftime advantage.
The Pirates made a huge run in the third quarter to cut the deficit to 38-49 but the Red Lions reclaimed their offense for a 59-44 lead en route to preserving their opening day win.
MacLaude Guadana finished with 22 points and nine rebounds, and John Barba added 13 markers for the Pirates.
Meanwhile, the Blazers overcame an early deficit to score a 78-65 victory over Mapua University Cardinals to kick off their campaign on dominant fashion.
Allen Liwag had a dominant debut for the Blazers, finishing with a double-double of 23 points and 18 rebounds to go with three blocks and one assist as they tied the San Beda University Red Lions on top with 1-0 record.
Gab Cometa added 17 points, four rebounds, and two assists, while Winston Ynot contributed nine points, eight assists, and six rebounds for the Blazers, one of the title contenders this season.
“It was a good grind out win. We didn’t play our best pero maganda na maaga pa lang nasubukan na kami,” said Blazers head coach Charles Tiu. “We were down pretty much the whole game. Give credit to the guys. They doubled up the effort and they found a way to win.”/PN
