SAN Beda University rode on its grinding defense and Yuki Andrada’s three-point shooting spree as it turned back University of Perpetual Help, 57-53, on Friday and remained in the race for a place in the top two in NCAA Season 100 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.
The Lions showed why they’re the league’s top defensive squad as they shackled the Altas all game, while Andrada erupted for a game-high 21 points that included five triples that helped them jump to an 8-4 record.
“It’s probably our defense in the second quarter, we limited them to seven points, that’s what fuelled our offense and got Yuki open,” said San Beda coach Yuri Escueta.
Escueta was referring that second quarter onslaught where the defending champion outscored UPHSD, 21-7, in a run that turned a 19-8 deficit into a 29-26 lead at halftime.
It was no coincidence that the burly, sweet-shooting Andrada was at the center of it all as he sparked that onslaught with 11 straight points he highlighted with three treys that sparked that turnaround.
Rookie sensation Mark Gojo Cruz fired 14 points, while Jearico Nuñez pounded in 11 points but it wasn’t enough to escape San Beda’s marauding defensive presence and Andrada’s assassin-like shooting.
It didn’t help the Las Pinas-based school lost its lead point guard in Shawn Orgo, who was stretchered out after hurting his left shoulder following a collision with San Beda guard Oliver Tagle.
The Altas dropped to 5-7.
Games Saturday
(Filoil EcoOil Arena)
11 a.m.- AU vs LPU
2:30 p.m.- SSC-R vs. EAC
