MANILA – San Beda University banked on Bryan Sajonia and Agjanti Miller to beat Letran, 89-70, in Game 1 of the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball best-of-three title series at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.
Sajonia finished with 17 points, six rebounds, and three assists while Miller chipped in 16 points and nine rebounds as the Red Lions moved a game closer to lifting the championship trophy.
Nygel Gonzales added 14 points and five assists for San Beda, which took a 68-48 lead at the end of the third quarter.
Anfernee Zachary Estacio and Jimuel Iverson contributed eight points each.
“I’m happy with how we played defense at the start of the game and especially at the start of the third (quarter),” Red Lions coach Yuri Escueta said.
“We do, however, have to do better in taking care of the ball because we’re giving them opportunities to score, and it’s hard to play good defense if we’re careless with the ball.”
Jonathan Manalili delivered 17 points, five assists, four steals, and two rebounds for the Knights, who only trailed 43-46 at halftime.
Jimboy Estrada and Jun Roque added 14 and 12 points, respectively.
San Beda will try to wrap up the series in Game 2 at the same venue on Saturday. (PNA)
