Bryan Sajonia and Janti Miller denied Jose Rizal University a repeat win over San Beda University, powering a 65-56 victory in the NCAA Season 101 on Saturday at the Filoil Centre.
Sajonia exploded in the first half by pouring 16 of his overall output while Miller provided the finishing kick, burying two dagger three-pointers late in the fourth period to seal the payback victory.
Sajonia finished with 18 points despite being held to just two points in the second half while Miller dazzled with 16 markers, eight rebounds, and three assists.
The Red Lions, who were tamed the first time they faced the Heavy Bombers this season over a month ago, have improved to 8-3 to solidify their hold of the top spot in Group B while also ensuring themselves a quarterfinal spot.
JRU had no answer in the endgame this time as the Heavy Bombers fell to 6-6, allowing the idle Colegio de San Juan de Letran (6-5) to take the solo third spot while De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (7-4) remains at second.
"The whole game was scrappy, we're just locking in on the defensive side. It's something that we wanted to be able to do today," San Beda head coach Yuri Esueta said.
"'Yung offensive side, I know we were missing free throws, we were missing our shots, but I was happy and pleased with how we were able to control the other side of the court.
Sajonia waxed hot early, making seven of his nine field goal attempts in the first half as they created a slim 33-29 separation from their first-round tormentor JRU.
Both teams encountered offensive dry spells in the third period, but the Heavy Bombers were able to tie things up at 42-all before heading to the crucial fourth period.
Jimmy Reyes and RC Calimag drilled a triple each as San Beda opened the fourth quarter with a 50-44 lead. But JRU, which leaned on Allan Laurenaria’s game-winning layup to shock the Red Lions in their first-round encounter, clawed back to within two after an 8-4 run capped by a Harry Herrera three, 54-52.
This time, though, the Red Lions held their poise in the endgame.
A triple from graduating Yuki Andrada started that spark before Sajonia buried his lone second half basket to bring San Beda back up by five, 59-54.
That set the stage for Miller's takeover as the rookie star torched JRU with back-to-back three-pointers that proved to be the dagger, helping San Beda avenge its 67-66 loss to JRU last October 10 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Laurenaria and Shawn Argente paced JRU with 12 points each while Herrera and Sean Salvador chipped in 10 and eight points apiece.
Scores:
San Beda 65 – Sajonia 18, Miller 16, Reyes 7, Andrada 7, Etulle 6, Lina 5, Calimag 3, Vailoces 2, Celzo 1, Gonzales 0, Culdora 0, Estacio 0, Songcuya 0, Bonzalida 0.
JRU 56 – Argente 12, Laurenaria 12, Herrera 10, Salvador 8, Sarmiento 4, Peñaverde 4, Garupil 3, Castillo 3, Panapanaan 0, Benitez 0, Duque 0, Catapang 0.
Quarters: 19-18, 33-29, 42-42, 65-56
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
