NCAA: San Beda, Benilde victorious in Season 100 opening

San Beda rookie Bryan Sajonia against Lyceum in NCAA Season 100.–NCAA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—San Beda opened its campaign for back-to-back titles on a high note in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament.

The Red Lions handed Lyceum a methodical 79-63 beating, showing they’re still a force to reckon with even sans star guard Jacob Cortez.

“I’m very confident with these guys coming in. I know what they can do and bring to the team and it’s just a matter of letting them play their games,” said San Beda coach Yuri Escueta.

READ: NCAA: Yuri Escueta confident San Beda holdovers can get job done

San Beda coach Yuri Escueta and Bryan Sajonia after their season-opening win over Lyceum. #NCAASeason100 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/3aUOKjUvn5

— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) September 7, 2024

“I credit it to our preparations that we had during the preseason. There’s still lots of room for improvement because it’s the first game, everyone had jitters but hopefully everyone will eventually calm down and be composed.”

The Red Lions imposed their will over the Pirates from the jump, zooming to a 29-11 lead.

Lyceum tried to rally but to no avail as San Beda flaunted its offensive prowess led by rookie and former Far Eastern University guard Bryan Sajonia.

READ: San Beda begins title defense vs Lyceum to open NCAA Season 100

“Bryan easily fits with our lineup because of his talents, skill level and tenacious defense,” lauded Escueta.

Sajonia led the way with 18 points, five rebounds and two assists while veteran Yukien Andrada tallied 13 points and six rebounds for the Red Lions.

McLaude Guadaña dropped a career-high of 22 points for Lyceum, which made the Final Four last season, while John Barba scored 13.

San Beda goes for a 2-0 start against College of St. Benilde, which also won its opening assignment, 78-65, against last year’s losing finalist, on Tuesday.

Blazers get revenge

College of St. Benilde’s Allen Liwag, coach Charles Tiu and Gab Cometa after their win over Mapua. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/vsBJnajoxY

— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) September 7, 2024

The Blazers newcomers–led by big man Allen Liwag–stepped up and proved their worth.

“We have a lot of new guys in our team and they looked nervous but not these guys (Gab Cometa and Allen Liwag). They showed that they’ve been competing here in the NCAA for some time now,” said CSB coach Charles Tiu.

CSB Blazers’ Allen Liwag in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament.–NCAA PHOTO

Liwag, the former Emilio Aguinaldo College General, filled the void left by former NCAA MVP Will Gozum with a monster double-double of 23 points and 18 rebounds.

Gab Cometa, on the other hand, added 17 points. Another former Red Lion Tony Ynot also shone, hitting the big shots and finished with nine points, eight assists, five rebounds and four steals.

Reigning MVP Clint Escamis was the sole double-digit scorer for the Cardinals with 16 points on top of three rebounds and four steals.