Yukien Andrada and a trio of new recruits powered the San Beda Red Lions to a decisive 96-85 victory over the College of St. Benilde (CSB) Blazers on Wednesday night. The win marked a successful start for San Beda in the 101st National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball tournament opener at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Red Lions’ seasoned and rookie players demonstrated exceptional composure, a quality that impressed coach Yuri Escueta.
“This happens every time you play a team like Benilde. They will not surrender. So, the team has to show its composure,” Escueta remarked, following the crucial Group B win that saw the Red Lions join defending champion Mapúa Cardinals with an opening-day triumph.
Newcomers Bryan Sajonia and Agjanti Miller led the charge, striking hardest with 16 points apiece to provide the necessary firepower. Jimuel Reyes contributed a strong 13 points, while veteran Andrada added 11 points as the Red Lions took control in the second period.
San Beda’s momentum surged just before the break when Nygel Reyes’ jumper in the final 19 seconds gave the Red Lions a narrow 48-43 edge going into halftime.
Andrada then asserted his veteran presence in the third quarter, scoring six of his 11 points, highlighted by a triple off an RC Calimag assist, which stretched the San Beda lead to double digits at 68-58. Reyes sealed the final count with a split free throw in the last 13 seconds, pushing the Red Lions’ advantage to its final 11-point margin.
