MANILA — San Beda University turned a shaky third quarter into a dominant finish, exploding for a decisive fourth-quarter surge behind Ilonggo gunner John Bryan Sajonia to pull away from Emilio Aguinaldo College, 96-82, in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday at the Playtime Filoil Center in San Juan.
After trailing 69-73 early in the payoff period, the Red Lions showcased championship composure, burying three straight long bombs from Sajonia, Jimuel Reyes, and Agjanti Miller to snatch an 81-79 advantage—an offensive burst that instantly swung momentum.
EAC briefly forced an 81-all deadlock, but San Beda answered with authority, ripping a closing run anchored by Sajonia’s relentless scoring and Miller’s steady finishing touches to open a commanding 14-point lead entering the final minute.
The Pavia, Iloilo native delivered a standout performance, firing 27 points—including three triples—along with four rebounds, four assists, and two steals as the Red Lions solidified their grip atop Group B with a 9-3 record.
Miller and Yukien Andrada tallied 17 points apiece, Reyes added 12, and Daniel Celzo contributed 11 for San Beda’s balanced attack.
Aldeo Lucero led the Generals with 14 points, followed by Kyle Ochavo with 11 and Joshua Tolentino with 10 as EAC stumbled to 4-8.
In the day’s other matchup, Arellano University secured a playoff berth after dispatching Lyceum of the Philippines University, 74-56, to lock in the No. 3 seed in Group A at 6-6.
T-Mc Ongotan powered the Chiefs with a 24-point, 10-rebound double-double and two blocks, while Maverick Vinoya added 14. Arellano will next take on the Group B No. 2 seed, which owns a twice-to-beat edge.
John Barba was the lone Pirate in double figures with 13 points as Lyceum closed its campaign at 3-9./PN
