Agjanti Miller didn’t mind sharing the spotlight—or the workload—on Tuesday night.
With several teammates answering the call to step up, San Beda University overpowered Emilio Aguinaldo College, 81-64, in their second-round showdown in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The 6-foot-4 Fil-Am forward from San Francisco, California, led the Red Lions with 14 points and nine rebounds while getting solid support from Jimuel Reyes, Yukien Andrada, John Lina, and Jommel Puno. Together, they delivered the firepower San Beda needed to keep the Generals in check all game long.
“JRU was a tough loss. The team was down for a week, but shoutout to our vets—they kept us together and had us ready to come out here and win this game,” said Miller, referring to their heartbreaking 66-67 setback to Jose Rizal University last Friday.
Reyes sparked San Beda early, dropping five quick points to help build a 21-14 lead after the first quarter. Andrada, returning from an injury, then joined hands with Puno and Penny Estacio to pile up 19 points in the second period as the Red Lions pulled away to a commanding 45-28 advantage at halftime.
The Lions refused to let up after the break, drawing 13 more points from Miller, Lina, and Nygel Gonzales to stretch their cushion to 19, 65-46, heading into the final quarter. Puno and Miller then combined for nine markers in the payoff period as San Beda cruised to its third win in four outings in Group B.
The Generals, who fell to 1-3, struggled to find their rhythm against San Beda’s balanced attack and tight defense.
In the juniors’ division, the Emilio Aguinaldo College Brigadiers survived a furious late rally to edge the San Beda Red Cubs, 72-69.
Clint Bonus and John de la Cruz hit crucial baskets in the final minute to secure the Brigadiers’ second win in four games in Group B.
Kelly Coronel paced EAC with 15 points, while Adiam Larosa fired 16 for the Red Cubs in the loss.
