San Beda displayed poise in the crunch as it outplayed San Sebastian, 85-75, on Saturday, Sept. 14, in NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

The Red Lions preserved their lead despite late attempts from the Stags to notch their second win in three outings after bowing to the College of St. Benilde Blazers in overtime last Tuesday, Sept. 10.

Bryan Sajonia paced San Beda with 26 points and eight rebounds, while Yukien Andrada showcased another splendid performance with a double-double effort of 21 points and 11 boards.

San Sebastian threatened in the last 3:18 of the game after it erased San Beda’s 66-56 double-digit lead to only two, 68-66, courtesy of Paeng Are and Raymart Escobido.

But the Red Lions were quick to clamp down on their defense to keep their lead intact, with the Stags trying some desperate measures to salvage the game by forcing San Beda to the charity stripe in the final minute.

San Beda’s defense was so stifling that it limited Are, Escobido and Tristan Felebrico to only a combined 32 points after coming into the game with a 54-point average in the last two outings.

“We were able to do a decent job in terms of limiting their strengths, turnover points, fast break points and second chance points. Averages nila hindi nila naabot,” said San Beda coach Yuri Escueta.

Escueta though thinks they still need to improve their free throw shooting after muffing 15 of the 38 attempts from there, which was worse than their 11-of-24 clip the last time.

“Lot of things to improve on. We gave time during our last practices shooting free throws. It's just that we need to get used to shooting free throws in real life. Sa NCAA game iba pressure, iba atmosphere and it's something you can't do in practice, sa practice walang tao,” he said.

Jomel Puno also shone for the Red Lions with 12 points and eight rebounds, while James Payosing and Zachary Estacio combined for 15 points.

San Sebastian slipped to 2-1 in tie with San Beda with ReggzGabat topscoring for 19 points.

The scores:

SAN BEDA 85 - Sajonia 26, Andrada 21, Puno 12, Payosing 7, Estacio 6, Royo 4, Rc. Calimag 4, Ri. Calimag 3, Culdora 2, Songcuya 0, Bonzalida 0, Celzo 0

SAN SEBASTIAN 75 - R. Gabat 19, Escobido 14, Aguilar 11, Are 9, Felebrico 9, L. Gabat 8, Ricio 3, Velasco 2, Maliwat 0, Lintol 0, Pascual 0, Suico 0, Barroga 0.

Quarters: 21-12; 42-31; 58-51; 85-75.