WAIT for a while, it had to, but San Beda is finally inside the winners' circle in its NCAA Season 102 title defense.
The Red Lions came out firing with a 33-point first quarter before pulling away from Lyceum for a convincing 83-74 victory on Thursday at the Playtime Filoil Centre.
The backcourt duo of Daniel Marcelo and Jimmy Reyes spearheaded the red-and-white offensive onslaught, with the former pouring in 16 points, six rebounds, and one assist, and the latter adding 15 points, five assists, four rebounds, and three steals.
“I think we played much better, especially in the first quarter. We played with much better energy compared to the CSB game. We shot really well,” said head coach Yuri Escueta.
After falling to Benilde in their season opener then seeing their showdown with Jose Rizal University get postponed, the defending champions set the tone and took control before the Pirates could even settle down.
Still, Rhenz Villegas and LPU refused to fold.
The Pirates trimmed San Beda’s lead to just eight in the final quarter, threatening to turn the game into another comeback victory after their one-point shocker over Mapua.
However, a scramble for the ball saw Villegas accidentally hit RC Calimag, resulting in the former getting ejected.
Beda on the board
From there, the Red Lions kept the Pirates at bay to finally notch their first mark on the win column, 11 days since opening their title defense.
“It feels good. It feels good to be on a winning track. Just coming into this game, I think we had more of an edge, knowing that opening didn't go how we wanted it to,” said first-year guard Marcelo.
“So just responding in the court, and then how we responded in practice too. So I think it's a good win for us,” he added.
Lawrence Hawkins also posted a double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds, along with two steals and two blocks, while Jomel Puno added 11 points, two assists, one rebound, and one steal.
For Lyceum, Villegas finished with 12 points, two rebounds, and two assists before being ejected, as they fell to 1-2 in Pool A.
Matthew Rubico also wound up with 15 points, five assists, three rebounds, and two steals, while Mac Guadaña chipped in 14 points, six rebounds, and two assists.
The Scores:
SAN BEDA 83 - Marcelo 16, Reyes 15, Hawkins 13, Puno 11, Calimag 9, Torculas 8, Etulle 6, Bonzalida 3, Lina 2, Estacio 0, Jamora 0, Sarigumba 0, Songcuya 0.
LYCEUM 74 - Rubico 15, Guadaña 14, Villegas 12, Almario 6, Daileg 5, Aurigue 5, Aviles 4, Nocum 4, Manuel 3, Gordon 2, Cardinas 2, Penafiel 2, Ondoa 0, Caduyac 0, Matienzo 0.
Quarters: 33-18, 45-48, 65-56, 83-74
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