SAN JUAN CITY, Philippines — Defending champion San Beda University secured its first victory of the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament after holding off a late surge from Lyceum of the Philippines University, 83-74, in Group A action on Thursday, September 24, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The Red Lions, coming off a week-long layoff following the postponement of their scheduled match against the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers due to heavy rainfall, dictated the pace early on to level their win-loss record at 1-1. Meanwhile, the Pirates fell to a 1-2 slate.
San Beda established an early 33-18 cushion in the first period before Lyceum narrowed the deficit to 45-38 by halftime. The Mendiola-based squad rebuilt a nine-point advantage, 65-56, at the end of the third period, but the Pirates launched a strong response to trim the margin down to a single point at 65-64.
However, the Red Lions squashed Lyceum’s comeback attempt behind key late-game baskets and a dominant performance from Lawrence Hawkins, who recorded a double-double of 13 points, 12 rebounds, two blocks, and two steals.
“I just focused sa game namin and ‘di ko na nga napapansin ano score ko, nagtulungan lang kami as a team kasama ‘yong tulong ng mga coaches,” said Hawkins.
“Sobrang important din talaga na masunod namin ‘yong system namin. ‘Di naman namin magagawa ‘to kung ‘di namin sinusunod ‘yong sistema,” he added.
Dan Marcelo spearheaded San Beda’s scoring output with 18 points and eight rebounds, supported by Jimuel Reyes and Jomel Puno with 15 and 11 points, respectively.
Matthew Rubico paced the Pirates with 15 points, five assists, three rebounds, and two steals. Mclaude Guadana contributed 14 points, while Renz Villegas scored 12 in the defeat.
The Scores:
SAN BEDA 83 — Marcelo 18, Reyes 15, Hawkins 13, Puno 11, Calimag 9, Torculas 8, Etulle 6, Bonzalida 3, Lina 2, Estacio 0, Songcuya 0, Jamora 0, Sarigumba 0.
LYCEUM 74 — Rubico 15, Guadana 14, Villegas 12, Almario 6, Daileg 5, Aurigue 5, Aviles 4, Nocum 4, Manuel 3, Gordon 2, Cardinas 2, Penafiel 2, Ondoa 0, Matienzo 0, Caduyac 0.
Quarterscores: 33-18, 45-38, 65-56, 83-74.