San Beda Shocks CSB To Win NCAA Season 89 Men's Basketball Opening Game

Photo c/o Raymark Silapan


By Raymark Silapan
Edited by: Val Marvin Macanas

The Red Lions showed the crowd that they are still a "Title Contender" in this year's NCAA after their opening day victory against the 89th Season Host of the NCAA, the DLS - College of St. Benilde Blazers. They roared loud and proud after the 71-70 win.

San Beda started the first quarter with an earth shattering 10-0 run. At first I thought that the Red Lions would just cruise past Benilde. I was wrong because that huge run didn't scare the Blazers as they made an effort to keep the game close, ending the 1st half down only 10 points, 38-28.

In the 2nd half, the Blazers were able to tweak their offensive and defensive patterns leading to a great run that made the ball-game closer and more thrilling. But unfortunately, one of their enforcers inside the shaded lane, Ongteco graduated early due to ill-advised fouls.

In the final 2 minutes of the game, Mark Romero unleashed a booming trey that trimmed San Beda's lead down to 1, 70-69. Luis Sinco, Benilde's ace point guard fouled a Red Lion to send him to the freethrow line. He made 1 out of his 2 charities leaving the door open for CSB. There's still a few seconds left for Benilde, and as if on cue, the sharp shooter Fons Saavedra of CSB nailed a go ahead 3 pt. basket. But with less than 5 seconds left in regulation, Art Dela Cruz shocked the crowd with a game winning alley hoop play for San Beda. The Red Lions win the ball-game, 71-70.

quarter scores:
22-12, 38-28, 57-48, 71-70

If you're wondering what happened in the 2nd Game of the NCAA 2013 Opening Day, Letran defeated San Sebastian 74-69.

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NCAA Season 89 Opening Day Photos: