Yukien Andrada of the San Beda Red Lions during an NCAA men’s season 100 basketball game against Perpetual Help Altas. – NCAA PHOTO
Yukien Andrada found his rhythm late in the first half and San Beda University cruised to a 57-53 victory over the University of Perpetual Help-Dalta in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament on Friday.
Andrada sank three three-pointers and scored 11 straight points before halftime, setting the stage for the Red Lions to take control and send the Altas in pursuit throughout.
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“I wasn’t feeling well in the first quarter until I got going. “It wasn’t just me actually, but with the help of my teammates,” Andrada said, finishing the game with 21 points after going eight of 15 from the field with around five three-pointers.
The accurate striker praised Bismarck Lina’s efforts on the edge and gave Andrada several candid looks.
“I just kept shooting until I found my target and Bismarck’s presence made it possible,” said Andrada, whose ultimate goal this season is a second straight title for the defending champion Lions.
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Perpetual Help’s defensive crackdown on Lina inside proved costly, which San Beda’s shooters took advantage of.
Lina had nine points and six rebounds, Jomel Puno added eight and five boards, while Zachary Estacio scored six, including a dagger from the corner with less than a minute left that created a comfortable margin.
“We focused more on defense. “As long as we can make those stops, our offense will work,” said San Beda coach Yuri Escueta, whose marching orders to his Lions are to hold opponents under 60 points.
The Red Lions, whose four-game streak was broken last time out by the Lyceum Pirates, found their strong form again and made a wild run to the Final Four playoffs.
They are in third place at 8-4 behind the Mapua Cardinals (8-3) and the College of St. Benilde Blazers (9-2) and have a great chance of a double victory before the semifinals.
The Altas, meanwhile, lost their seventh game in 12 games, just two games ahead of bottom-placed Jose Rizal University, Arellano University and San Sebastian College. Mark Gojo Cruz had 14 points and Jearico Nunez 11 for the Altas.
Next up for the Red Lions is the Cardinals on Sunday, a crucial affair that could determine the rest of the season.
“We will watch the videos (of their games). We will rest for a day before meeting them. “I expect it to be difficult and tiring,” Escueta said.
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SAN BEDA 57 – Andrada 21, Lina 9, Puno 8, Estacio 6, Calimag 6, Tagle 4, Sajonia 3, Payosing 0, Bonzalida 0, Tagala 0, Songcuya 0, Celzo 0
PERPETUAL HELP 53 – Gojo Cruz 14, Nuñez 11, Pagaran 10, Abis 7, Boral 4, Manuel 3, Montemayor 3, Pizarro 1, Orgo 0, Gelsano 0
Quarter scores: 8-19, 29-26, 44-38, 57-53