As Andrada finds mark, Lions recover stride

San Beda’s Yukien Andrada.-NCAA Photo

Yukien Andrada found his rhythm late in the first half and San Beda University got itself rolling to a 57-53 win over Perpetual Help on Friday at the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament.

Andrada buried three triples and scored 11 straight points in one stretch before the intermission, setting the tone for the Red Lions to seize control and put the Altas on chase mode throughout.

“I wasn’t doing well in the first quarter until I got myself going. It was actually not just me, but with the help of teammates,’’ said Andrada, finishing with a game-high 21 points after going eight of 15 from the field built around five threes.

The hot-shooting forward credited Bismarck Lina’s effort around the rim, which allowed him several open looks at the basket.

“I just kept on shooting until I found my mark and Bismarck’s presence made it possible,’’ said Andrada, whose ultimate goal this season is a second straight trophy for the defending champion Lions.

Perpetual Help’s defensive crackdown on Lina inside proved costly and San Beda’s shooters took advantage.

Lina had nine points and six rebounds, Jomel Puno added eight and five boards while Zachary Estacio scored six, including a dagger from the corner with less than a minute left that created a comfy separation.

“We focused more on defense. As long as we manage to get those stops, our offense will click,’’ said San Beda coach Yuri Escueta, whose marching order to his Lions is to keep the Altas under 60 points.

The Red Lions, whose four-game streak was broken by the Lyceum Pirates last time around, got their fiery form back for a ferocious run going to the Final Four playoffs.

They’re running third at 8-4 behind the Mapua Cardinals (9-3) and the College of St. Benilde Blazers (9-2) and are very much in contention for a twice to beat edge going into the semifinals.

“I’m just a role player in this team and was just lucky to have the opportunity to help us win,” said Hubilla in Filipino.

The Altas, meanwhile, dropped their seventh match in 12 games, just two games ahead of tailenders Jose Rizal University, Arellano University and San Sebastian College. Mark Gojo Cruz had 14 points and Jearico Nunez tallied 11 for the Altas.

Up next for Lions are the Cardinals on Sunday, a critical affair that could dictate how the rest of the season will proceed.

“We’ll watch the videos (of their games). We will rest for a day before meeting them. I expect this one to be difficult and physical,’’ said Escueta.