Lions roar as NCAA Season 100 unfolds

MANILA, Philippines — San Beda unveiled its newest weapon of mass destruction in rookie transferee Bryan Sajonia as it stamped its class on host Lyceum of the Philippines University, 79-63, yesterday to jumpstart its back-to-back title aspirations in the historic NCAA Season 100 at the MOA Arena.

The stocky and crafty Sajonia, a prized recruit from Far Eastern U, had a head-turning debut after he dropped a team-high 18 points while emerging as his squad’s best wing defender.

“Madali i-fit si Bryan dahil sa talent and skill level niya at tenacious defense na meron siya,” said San Beda coach Yuri Escueta referring to Sajonia.

The win launched the Lions’ bid for a second straight crown and 24 championships in all.

“I’m just happy we were able to perform what we practiced. We knew LPU is gonna give it 100 percent. Masaya ako kahit papaano nasalo namin ‘yung bugso nila especially in the second quarter,” said Escueta.

Escueta was referring to LPU’s furious fightback in the second canto when the Pirates sliced the Lions’ 29-11 opening-quarter edge to just four points, 33-29, late in the period.

But it proved to be LPU’s last show of resistance as San Beda regrouped in time, both in its offensive execution and defense, to restore order and break loose.

Despite the emphatic result, Sajonia, however, said they still have room for improvement.

“Hindi pa tapos, marami pa kami aayusin,” he said.

Earlier, the historic centennial season of the grand old league was ushered in with a production number to remember and a message from league president Atty. Roberto P. Laurel of LPU.

Also attending the inaugurals were Department of Education Sec. Sonny Angara and notable league alumni headed by LPU’s CJ Perez, part of the Gilas Pilipinas that struck gold in the Hangzhou Asian Games last year.