MANILA — San Beda University stormed back into the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball Final Four in commanding fashion, overwhelming Lyceum of the Philippines University, 91–67, behind a blistering three-point assault yesterday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Red Lions, eager to rebound from their previous upset loss in the crossover phase, unleashed 13 triples at a 41.9-percent clip in a wire-to-wire domination that snuffed out the Pirates’ postseason hopes and ended Lyceum’s streak of four straight Final Four appearances.
Yukien Andrada powered San Beda’s onslaught with 20 points on a fiery 6-of-10 shooting from long range. Janti Miller added 18 points and six rebounds, while Bismark Lina and Ilonggo gunner John Bryan Sajonia chipped in 15 and 13 points, respectively.
Sajonia set the tone early, knocking in six quick points as San Beda built a 17–10 lead after the first quarter. The Red Lions soon stretched the gap to 29–15 behind timely hits from Miller and Zedjay Etulle.
Lyceum momentarily clawed back with an 11–1 run to trim the deficit to 30–26, but San Beda reasserted control and carried a 51–40 lead at the half, with three players already in double figures.
The third quarter proved fatal for the Pirates. A Miller three-point play pushed San Beda ahead, 69–46, as the Red Lions widened the gap to 22 entering the final frame and cruised the rest of the way.
Graduating guard Ato Barba led Lyceum with 13 points in the Pirates’ season-ending loss.
PERPETUAL JOINS FINAL FOUR
In the other quarterfinal pairing, University of Perpetual Help Altas clinched their Final Four ticket after turning back Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, 81–74.
Mark Gojo Cruz fired 23 points, including four triples, while Patrick Sleat tallied a double-double of 14 points and 10 assists on top of six rebounds and two steals. Negrense scorer Shawn Orgo added 10 points as the Altas needed just one game to eliminate JRU./PN
