Defending Champions Survive Late Lyceum Rally in NCAA 102
San Beda survived Lyceum’s late rally, 71-65, strengthening its pursuit of a twice-to-beat advantage in the NCAA Season 102 quarterfinals. Dan Marcelo scored a season-high 22 points as the defending champions extended their winning streak to four consecutive games.
San Beda Beats Lyceum for Fourth Straight Victory
Luis Licas chronicled San Beda’s victory at the FilOil EcoOil Centre, where the Red Lions improved their record to 9-3. The result moved San Beda level with José Rizal University atop Group A entering the elimination round’s closing stage.
Marcelo led the defending champions with 22 points while contributing six assists and four steals during the six-point victory. His season-high scoring performance helped San Beda overcome a sluggish opening half before establishing control following the halftime break.
“I think in the fourth quarter, we displayed our identity in our defense and our rebounding. The game is all about possession, so it’s still about being able to stick together as a team and close out and get that win,” Marcelo said.
Image from: gmasportsph / Instagram
Marcelo Scores Season-High 22 Points for Red Lions
Marcelo combined his season-best 22 points with six assists and four steals while contributing across multiple areas against Lyceum. The veteran also helped drive San Beda’s second-half response after the Red Lions entered halftime trailing the Pirates.
Red Lions Erase Halftime Deficit With 13-2 Run
San Beda struggled during the opening half before Bismarck Lina helped the Red Lions pull even at 36-all after halftime. Marcelo and Aldous Torculas then contributed during a 13-2 surge that pushed San Beda ahead by 11 points, 49-38.
Torculas later converted free throws that helped San Beda carry a 53-47 advantage into the fourth quarter against Lyceum. Marcelo said the Red Lions’ difficult opening encouraged him to become more aggressive while continuing to create opportunities for teammates.
“We had a sluggish first half, so that led to me hitting shots and being able to facilitate, get my teammates open shots. Just being able to do the little things that our team needed,” Marcelo added.
Torculas and Lina Strengthen San Beda Frontcourt
Torculas finished with 17 points and nine rebounds, narrowly missing a double-double while supporting Marcelo during San Beda’s comeback. Lina contributed nine points and collected 14 rebounds, giving the Red Lions another productive presence around the basket against Lyceum.
Lyceum Cuts San Beda Lead to Two Points Late
San Beda stretched its advantage into double figures during the fourth quarter before Lyceum responded through its perimeter shooting. Khen Caduyac made consecutive three-pointers, cutting the Red Lions’ advantage to 65-60 with 2:41 remaining in the game.
Mclaude Guadaña later connected from three-point range, reducing Lyceum’s deficit to 67-65 during the closing stretch against San Beda. Zed Etulle answered from the free-throw line before additional conversions helped the Red Lions protect their advantage during closing seconds.
Free Throws Help Red Lions Complete 71-65 Victory
Etulle restored a two-possession margin before Andrei Ugaddan and Etulle later split their respective trips to the free-throw line. Kyle Jamora eventually completed San Beda’s 71-65 victory from the stripe, securing the Red Lions’ fourth consecutive NCAA win.
Recommended Article: UP Fends Off Adamson to Keep UAAP Season 89 Top Spot
San Beda Moves Closer to Twice-to-Beat Advantage
San Beda’s victory improved its record to 9-3 and maintained its position alongside José Rizal University atop Group A. The four-game winning streak also kept the defending champions firmly positioned in the race for a twice-to-beat quarterfinal incentive.
Lyceum dropped to 4-7 after the defeat and can no longer secure the same twice-to-beat advantage entering the postseason. The Pirates have already earned a play-in berth and are locked into fifth place regardless of their remaining elimination-round result.
Lyceum Locked Into Fifth Place After Loss
Matthew Rubico led Lyceum with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists while recording a double-double against San Beda. Jonathan Daileg scored 11 points, while Guadaña added nine and connected on the late three-pointer that reduced the deficit.
Benilde Rematch Awaits San Beda in Elimination Finale
San Beda will complete its elimination-round schedule against College of Saint Benilde at the FilOil EcoOil Centre. The Red Lions enter that matchup carrying four consecutive victories while continuing their pursuit of a twice-to-beat quarterfinal advantage.
Lyceum will finish its elimination campaign against Mapúa University at the PhilSports Arena before beginning its postseason play-in assignment. Mapúa will also become Lyceum’s play-in opponent, creating consecutive meetings between the Pirates and Cardinals around the postseason transition.
Lyceum Faces Mapúa Before Play-In Rematch
Lyceum’s final elimination-round opponent will also become its play-in opponent after the Pirates were locked into fifth place. San Beda, meanwhile, closes against Benilde with its twice-to-beat pursuit still active following four consecutive elimination-round victories.
Analytical Breakdown: Marcelo’s All-Around Impact Fuels San Beda
San Beda’s physical rebounding and disciplined defense provide valuable possession control, especially when its offense struggles to establish consistent rhythm. Responding calmly after Lyceum’s late surge showed the composure needed when comfortable postseason leads suddenly become one-possession games. Marcelo’s six assists and four steals strengthened his scoring impact, demonstrating the balanced influence San Beda needs during postseason basketball.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score between San Beda and Lyceum?
San Beda defeated Lyceum 71-65, extending the defending champions’ NCAA Season 102 winning streak to four consecutive games.
How many points did Dan Marcelo score?
Dan Marcelo scored a season-high 22 points while adding six assists and four steals during San Beda’s victory.
What is San Beda’s record after beating Lyceum?
San Beda improved to 9-3, drawing level with José Rizal University atop Group A after defeating Lyceum.
Can San Beda still earn a twice-to-beat advantage?
Yes, San Beda remains positioned to pursue the twice-to-beat quarterfinal advantage entering its final elimination-round assignment against Benilde.
Who will San Beda play next?
San Beda will complete its NCAA elimination-round schedule against College of Saint Benilde at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from GMA Network.
