Yucian Andrada of the San Beda Red Lions during an NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball game against the Perpetual Help Altas. – NCAA Photo
Yucian Andrada found his rhythm late in the first half and San Beda University held on for a 57-53 victory over University of Perpetual Help-Dalta on Friday in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament.
Andrada hit three triples before halftime and scored 11 consecutive points, setting the tone for the Red Lions to take control and put Altas in position to chase throughout.
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“I wasn’t performing well in the first quarter unless I pushed myself. It was really not just me, but the help from my teammates,” said Andrada, who finished with a game-high 21 points after scoring eight of 15 points from the field built around five threes.
The hot-shooting forward credited Bismarck Lina’s effort around the rim, giving Andrada several open looks.
“I kept shooting until I found my mark and Bismarck’s presence made it possible,” said Andrada, whose ultimate goal this season is a second consecutive trophy for the defending champion Lions.
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Perpetual Help’s defensive actions inside Lena proved costly, with San Beda’s shooters taking advantage.
Lina had nine points and six rebounds, Jomel Puno added eight and five boards while Zachary Astacio scored six, including a dagger from the corner with less than a minute left that created a comfortable separation.
“We focused more on defence. “As long as we’re able to get those stops, our offense will be successful,” said San Beda coach Yuri Escueta, whose marching orders for his Lions are to hold the opponent under 60 points.
The Red Lions, whose four-game losing streak was broken by the Lyceum Pirates last time out, regained their fiery form to advance to the Final Four playoffs.
They are in third place at 8-4 behind the Mapua Cardinals (8-3) and the College of St. Benilde Blazers (9-2) and are vying for a doubleheader heading into the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, Altas lost its 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 Jericho Nunez had 11 points for the Altas.
Next up for the Red Lions are the Cardinals Sunday, a crucial affair that could decide how the rest of the season unfolds.
“We will watch videos (of their games). We will rest for a day before meeting them. “I expect it to be tough and physical,” Escueta said.
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San Beda 57 – Andrada 21, Lena 9, Puno 8, Astacio 6, Calimag 6, Tagle 4, Szonia 3, Peosing 0, Bonzalida 0, Tagala 0, Songkuya 0, Celso 0.
Continuous assists 53 – Gozo Cruz 14, Nunez 11, Pagaran 10, Abis 7, Boral 4, Manuel 3, Montemayor 3, Pizarro 1, Orgo 0, Gelsano 0.
Quarter scores: 8-19, 29-26, 44-38, 57-53
