BRYAN Sajonia scored a career-best in leading San Beda past previously undefeated San Sebastian, 85-75, in a great bounce back in the NCAA Season 100 at the FilOil EcoOil Arena on Saturday.
The rookie-transferee finished with 26 points and presided over a crucial endgame run by the reigning, defending champion to turn back the repeated rallies by the Stags.
A recruit from Far Eastern University, Sajonia accounted for seven in a 10-5 San Beda run that stretched a slim three-point edge to an 81-73 lead in the final minute of the highly-intense game.
Yukien Andrada, the Red Lions team captain, also came big with a double-double of 21 points and 11 rebounds spiked by a 5-of-11 shooting from beyond the arc that helped set the tone for the Red Lions earlier.
San Beda improved to a 2-1 record in a tie with its victim after coming off a 70-65 heartbreaker against College of St. Benilde in overtime.
Despite the bounce back win, Red Lions coach Yuri Escueta pointed out the team continues to be a work in progress.
“Lot of things to improve on. Napagod ako, parang ako yung naglaro,” he said afterwards.
On top of that list is San Beda’s continuous struggle from the free throw line where it finished 23-of-38 including 13-of-19 by Sajonia.
San Sebastian’s first loss of the season was compounded by the early fouling out of main man Rafael Are and later, Lauren Gabat, who was called for an unsportsmanlike foul against Jomel Puno in the final 39 seconds.
Are was held down to just nine points on 2-of-11 shooting after averaging 27.5 points in the Stags’ first two outings.
Reggz Gabat carried the scoring load for the Stags with 19 points.
The scores
San Beda 85 – Sajonia 26, Andrada 21, Puno 12, Payosing 7, Estacio 6, Royo 4, RC Calimag 4, Richi Calimag 3, Culdora 2, Songcuya 0, Bonzalida 0, Celzo 0.
San Sebastian 75 – R. Gabat 19, Escobido 14, Aguilar 11, Are 9, Felebrico 9, 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.
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