San Beda delivered a clinic at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, devouring the Letran Knights, 89โ70, to move one step away from reclaiming NCAA supremacy. What began as a routine Red Lions lead exploded into a full-on runaway once the third quarter hitโwhen San Bedaโs defense snapped shut and allowed Letran a measly five points in the entire period.
Bryan Sajonia led the charge with 17 points, six rebounds, and three assists, anchoring a San Beda offense that fired on all cylinders while suffocating Letranโs rhythm. Janti Miller added 16 points and nine rebounds before bowing out with two technicals, but the Lions didnโt blinkโstretching a narrow one-point lead into a 22-point avalanche in a matter of minutes.
Head coach Yuri Escueta praised the defensive effort but zeroed in on one flaw: turnovers. Early miscues kept Letran within striking distance, but once San Beda cleaned that up and matched the Knightsโ physicality, the game broke wide open. โItโs hard to defend if youโre careless with the ball,โ Escueta said. โWe have to adjust if thatโs the style theyโre bringing.โ
Letranโs spark came from Titing Manalili, who posted 17 points and four steals in a gritty two-way effort, while Jimboy Estrada and June Roque chipped in double figures. But every mini-run was quickly smothered by San Bedaโs waves of scoringโpunctuated by a monstrous 22โ3 blitz that effectively buried the Knights.
Game 2 tips off Saturday at 2 p.m. If the Lions replicate this level of control and composure, the NCAA throne may already be within reach.
Image from Angela Davocol/NCAA Philippines