MANILA – San Beda University Red Lions returned to their winning ways in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball with a 77-60 rout of Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers on Saturday at the FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan.
Yukien Andrada posted a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds to go with three assists to be named Player of the Game as the Red Lions secured their third victory in five games.
Ilonggo John Bryan Sajonia added 14 markers, including two three-pointers, while James Payosing and Jomel Puno ended with 13 apiece for the defending champion Red Lions.
“Mentally, I told the boys as defending champions, teams are always targeting us. Sabi ko, why don’t we change the script and be the aggressors this time? Huwag ‘yung salo lang tayo ng salo, tayo naman ‘yung mauna,” said Red Lions head coach Yuri Escueta.
Shawn Argente was the lone bright spot for the Heavy Bombers with 27 points, including four three-point conversions. They dropped to a 1-4 win-loss slate.
Meanwhile, Mark Gojo Cruz delivered another impressive showing as University of Perpetual Help Altas edged Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 73-67.
The rookie guard finished with 18 points, six assists, five rebounds, three blocks, and two steals to be named Player of the Game as the Altas halted a two-game slide to improve to a 3-2 win-loss slate.
“Masaya pero credits naman sa coaches ko, teammates ko kasi lagi nilang bino-boost ‘yung confidence ko,” Cruz said. “Grateful lang kasi una, ‘yung desisyon ko na pag-stay sa Perpetual.”
Christian Pagaran added 15 points, nine rebounds, and four assists, while Cedrick Abis ended with 11 points for the Altas.
King Gurtiza finished with 17 points and eight rebounds, while Gil Quinal and Wilmar Oftana added 16 and 15 markers for the Generals, which dropped to a 2-3 record./PN
