BRYAN Sajonia came to San Beda’s rescue late in the game, hitting the match’s biggest shots to survive St. Benilde 80-76 and stay on top of Group B in the NCAA Season 101, Friday at the Playtime Filoil Center.
The veteran guard drained two big three pointers right when the Blazers were in a fiery comeback, but none bigger than the one he drained with 39 seconds left to restore order and end Benilde’s 21-4 rally.
Breaks then came San Beda’s way as after a split from Sajonia, the two teams scrambled in the looseball, and possession was then given to the Red Lions due to the possession arrow, before the Red Lions' offensive rebounding shut the door on the Blazers for good.
The Red Lions improved to 7-3.
"Andun yung composure namin. Kailangan di kami ma-rattle sa ganung situation. Pag bumabalik yung kalaban, kailangan stay in the present parin kami, andun parin kami, ayun, masaya kami na nakuha namin yung panalo at focus na kami sa next game," Sajonia said.
"Yung mindset namin ngayon is bawal na kami matalo. Si coach Yuri hindi pa natatalo ng tatlong sunod-sunod yan. Must-win samin to. Masaya kami na nag-respond kami lahat," he added.
After a tight first half, Sajonia conspired with Yukien Andrada as the Red Lions started to create separation from the Blazers for good. The two combined for 16 in that big third quarter which allowed them to build an 18-point lead to start the fourth period.
That's when the Blazers started firing back, going on a 21-4 run to trim go to within one twice in the waning moments of the game, first after a Jake Gaspay three with a minute to go, and the second after a Tony Ynot three-pointer to respond to Sajonia's trey.
But that's the closest the Blazers got as they've failed to secured the crucial boards down the stretch.
Andrada had his best game for the Red Lions this season as he finished with 23 points, while Sajonia added 22 markers. The two combined to make eight of their 12 three-pointers.
The explosion of the two was much needed as Janti Miller struggled heavily from the field, going just two of 16 from the field , though he still finished with a double-double of 11 points and 10 boards.
Ynot sustained his fine form for the Blazers, finishing with 21 points and eight boards while Shawn Umali added 16 points before fouling out with a minute and 41 remaining.
The Blazers fell to 6-4 as they once again played without reigning MVP Allen Liwag who's dealing with a shoulder injury.
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