San Beda Dispatches Lpu 83-74, Picks Up First Win

The San Beda University Red Lions fended off a late-game rally by the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates, securing an 83-74 victory at the Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan to break into the win column and level their NCAA Season 102 record at 1-1.

Player of the Game Lawrence Hawkins anchored the Red Lions' frontcourt dominance, posting a double-double with 13 points, 12 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. Hawkins made his presence felt most in the final minutes, controlling the defensive glass and denying the Pirates second-chance opportunities during LPU's desperate fourth-quarter comeback attempt.

San Beda set the tone early behind an explosive opening salvo, erupting for 33 points in the first quarter to establish control. Rookie shooter Daniel Marcelo spearheaded the initial onslaught, sinking three triples in the opening period alone to finish with a team-high 16 points and six rebounds. Veteran guard Jimmy Reyes added 15 points and five assists to bolster the Red Lions' backcourt.

"It was a big win for us," Coach Yuri Escueta shared during the post-game press conference. "I think we played much better, especially in the first quarter, with better energy compared to the CSB game. We had the same looks but it wouldn't fall. It was a big first quarter for us—we came out with more energy, and we shot really well, so that was big for us that first-quarter scoring output that was 33."

The Red Lions held the driver's seat for most of the contest, but the game took a dramatic turn early in the fourth quarter at the 9:02 mark. LPU's primary scoring option, Renz Villegas, was slapped with a disqualifying foul following the landing of his foot and direct contact with RC Calimag's face, resulting in his ejection after tallying 12 points.

Despite losing their main offensive weapon, LPU tried to string together defensive stops down the stretch behind Matthew Rubico and Mcclaude Guadaña. However, missed three-point attempts and San Beda's command of the boards paved the way for a decisive 6-0 Red Lion run, stretching a tight 71-66 ballgame into a 77-66 cushion with 1:50 remaining.

LPU refused to go down without a fight, mounting one last push, but San Beda's early cushion and late composure provided the finishing touches as the Red Lions sealed their first victory of the season, dropping the Pirates to a 1-2 record.

The Scores:

SAN BEDA 83 – Marcelo 16, Reyes 15, Hawkins 13, Puno 11, Calimag 9, Torculas 8, Etulle 6, Bonzalida 3, Lina 2, Estacio 0, Jamora 0, Sarigumba 0, Songcuya 0.

LYCEUM 74 – Rubico 15, Guadaña 14, Villegas 12, Almario 6, Daileg 5, Aurigue 5, Aviles 4, Nocum 4, Manuel 3, Gordon 2, Cardinas 2, Penafiel 2, Ondoa 0, Caduyac 0, Matienzo 0.

Photo Credits: NCAA Media