BRYAN Sajonia struck when San Beda needed it most to down surging Letran, 66-64, and win the first grudge meeting between the two rival schools in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament on Tuesday.
The rookie guard hit a clutch three pointer in the final 10 seconds to erase a 63-64 Letran lead and put the defending champions in front for good.
Sajonia was 0-of-6 from three-point range prior to making the dagger shot amidst the wild celebration of the red-clad San Beda supporters at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan.
The Knights still had 6.2 seconds remaining to go for one final shot, but James Payosing forced Vince Cuajao to lose his balance and make a hurried shot that missed its mark at the buzzer.
“Makapal lang talaga ang mukha ko,” said Sajonia, the former FEU playmaker, who was actually 3-of-12 from the field to finish with eight points.
“Confident lang kami. And sabi namin, kalimutan na yung past game namin.”
He was referring to the Red Lions’ upset at the hands of the Arellano University Chiefs over the weekend, 72-70.
But whatever heartbreak the loss caused the team, all were forgotten by this sweet victory over their long-time rival, whose three-game winning streak was also snapped for a 5-3 record.
“We lost our defensive mindset. And that’s our bread and butter, defense. I just told them just play defense and the offense will take care of itself,” said San Beda coach Yuri Escueta.
The Red Lions, who improved to a 4-3 record in a tie with Perpetual Help at fourth place, were led by Jomel Puno with a double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds and spearheaded a fourth quarter run that put them on top, 57-51.
But the Knights battled their way back behind Kevin Santos, Jimboy Estrada, and Nat Montecillo.
Estrada eventually gave Letran its last taste of the lead at 64-63 with 50 seconds left only to set the stage for Sajonia's eventual heroics.
Santos had a career-high 18 points and nine rebounds to pace Letran.
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.
Quarters: 20-16; 30-32; 49-51; 66-64.
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