San Beda University’s John Bryan Sajonia prepares to make a shot during the game against Emilio Aguinaldo College in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan City on Wednesday (Nov. 19, 2025). The Red Lions won, 96-82, to earn a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals. (NCAA photo)
San Beda University wrapped up its Group B campaign in commanding fashion, overpowering Emilio Aguinaldo College, 96-82, to lock in a twice-to-beat cushion in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament at the San Juan Arena.
It was the Red Lions at their sharpest, with John Bryan Sajonia showing the poise and punch of a true alpha scorer. Sajonia fired a game-high 26 points and added four rebounds, four assists, and two steals in a performance that kept San Beda in full control throughout the night. He received steady support from Yukien Andrada and Agjanti Miller, who chipped in seven points each as the red-and-white roared to a 9-3 finish.
Equally important was what the win meant: San Beda officially clinched the No. 2 seed, having swept its season series against College of St. Benilde. Even if the Blazers catch up at 8-4, the tiebreak belongs to the Lions.
Coach Yuri Escueta didn’t hide the significance of the milestone. The twice-to-beat incentive wasn’t just a target — it was the team’s first stated mission. “This was our first goal — taking the top two spot, either one or two, to get that twice-to-beat advantage,” he said. “After this, our goal will be to win in the quarterfinals. We’ll take it one step at a time, but our first goal has been achieved.”
EAC showed fight behind Aldeo Lucero’s 14 points and Kyle Ochavo’s all-around effort of 11 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals. But the Generals absorbed their eighth loss in 12 games, unable to keep pace with San Beda’s disciplined, multi-weapon attack.
Over in Group A, Arellano University made its own bold statement. The Chiefs bulldozed Lyceum, 74-56, to rise to 6-6 and officially punch a quarterfinals berth without going through the play-in grind. JT-Mc Ongotan was unstoppable with 24 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks — a classic inside-out clinic that broke the Pirates early. King Vinoya added 14, helping stabilize Arellano’s playoff positioning.
The Chiefs now sit within striking distance of Mapua (7-5), and a tie could give them a crack at another twice-to-beat advantage — a rewarding twist in a roller-coaster campaign.
Lyceum, meanwhile, slipped to 3-9 and is headed to a fierce play-in battle for the fourth seed against fellow struggler San Sebastian (3-10). John Barba led the Pirates with 13 points, but it wasn’t enough to salvage a night dominated by Arellano’s relentlessness.
As the elimination round winds down, San Beda and Arellano look every bit like squads peaking at the perfect moment — one flexing elite consistency, the other gathering momentum just when the postseason lights begin to shine.
