Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 26) – The San Beda University Red Lions began another chapter in the club’s storied basketball tradition with an 84-76 win against the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates in their opening NCAA Season 97 match on Saturday at the La Salle Greenhills Gym.
Despite the over two-year layoff due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Red Lions exhibited the same intensity and energy on the court that brought them to 14 straight finals appearances and 11 titles.
San Beda held a slight advantage in the first quarter, but they flashed their might in the second period – especially on the defensive end – to limit Lyceum to just nine points.
The Red Lions went into halftime with a 41-27 lead, then preserved their balanced scoring options and defensive sets in the third quarter to continue holding off the Pirates.
Lyceum attempted to close the gap in the final quarter, but the Mendiola-based squad’s well established defense and good shot selection kept the Pirates from narrowing their deficit.
Ralph Penuela and JB Bahio combined their strength to finish with 12 points each while Red Cub turned Red Lion Tony Ynot added 10 markers in the victory for the Boyet Fernandez-helmed San Beda side.
San Beda’s bench players also delivered – contributing a total of 40 points compared to Lyceum’s 22.
Enoch Valdez led Lyceum with 22 points and eight rebounds in the losing effort for the squad now coached by Glibert Malabanan.
San Beda will next face the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals on Wednesday while Lyceum will take on Saint Benilde on Tuesday.
