NEXT MAN CUP: San Beda rallies past Lyceum to get maiden win

San Beda finally barged into the win column at the conclusion of the Sunday doubleheaders of the Pinoyliga Next Man cUP, after having to come from the back door to escape past Lyceum in a 77-75 thriller last January 16 at the Activate Hoop Arena.

The Red Lions’ fabled Team Behold was left reeling by a hot first half by the reserves of the Pirates, trailing by as much as 20 before embarking on a massive fightback in the second half.

Small forward Jomel Puno had 19 points for San Beda, hitting half of his shots from the field. His seven points in the third was the cornerstone behind their rally as they won that quarter by eleven.

A driving lay-up by Joshua Moralejo gave Lyceum its biggest advantage at 43-23 in the second quarter.

Later in the fourth, Puno gave the Mendiola side its first taste of the lead since the first quarter with a three-point play with 6:33 remaining.

Guard Cyrus Llarena then finished what Puno had started, with the former Red Cub scoring all of his 17 in the second half, none bigger than his 8-point cluster in the payoff period that gave them some breathing room and eventually won the game with their stifling defense.

It was a relief for Andre Santos, as the Team Behold’s head coach was an assistant to Yuri Escueta in the main squad, thus the need to perform with his boss beside him on their bench.

Said Santos, “This time, we’re more complete,” referring to their defeat to UE that opened the tournament, which was attributed to some injury concerns surrounding their team.

He then added that the holidays gave them the replenishment they needed.

“Coming off the Christmas break, the guys have the renewed energy to perform and get their first win.”

Lyceum was led by Jae Omandac’s 22 as its lone player in double-figures as it ended their opening weekend with a split.

“Siyempre, tough loss,” said LPU-B coach Harold Sta. Cruz. “We’re up by 18-20, and then lost by a shot.”

“Hindi maganda especially para sa players. If you have to play the next level, kelangan mag-show sila rito.”

The scores:

SAN BEDA 77 – Puno 19, Llarena 17, Jalbuena 8, Payosing 7, Tagala 6, Jopia 5, Tagle 5, Maghirang 5, Teruel 3, Royo 2

LYCEUM 75 – Omandac 22, Versosa 9, Daileg 9, Moralejo 8, Saure 8, Alattica 7, Caduyac 6, Ollesca 5, Bayquin 1, Garro 0, Dela Cruz 0

Quarter scores: 10-22, 25-43, 51-58, 77-75