SAN BEDA successfully repulsed its longtime rival Letran to sustain its momentum in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament.

On Sunday at San Juan Arena, the Red Lions and Letran renewed their rivalry but it was the squad from Mendiola that took the 68-58 win in Group B action.

The Red Lions have now won two straight games to start the season, following up on their opening day dub over College of St. Benilde a few days back.

“There’s really no extra motivation but every time you play Letran you know they’re a strong team that you really have to prepare for,” coach Yuri Escueta said, pertaining to the oldest rivalry in Philippine collegiate sports.

“I even look at them (Knights) as an all-star team so I tip my hats off to my guys for playing defense and guarding our defensive targets.”

Agjanti Miller impressed in his first Beda-Letran game with 22 points and five rebounds while Bryan Sajonia made up for Yukien Andrada’s absence with 11 points in the win.

Jonathan Manalili had a breakout game of 13 points, six assists, two rebounds and two steals for Letran but it was all for naught. Deo Cuajao’s 10-point afternoon was also flushed down the drain in the Knights’ second straight loss to start the season.

The Scores:

San Beda (68) – Miller 22, Sajonia 11, Lina 6, Reyes 6, Gonzales 5, Celzo 5, Etulle 4, Estacio 3, Puno 2, Bonzalida 2, Culdora 2, Songcuya 0, Jalbuena 0.

Letran (58) – Manalili 13, Cuajao 10, Rosilio 7, Buensalida 6, Estrada 5, Omega 5, Santos 4, Roque 4, Tapenio 3, Gazzingan 1, Gammad 0.

Quarterscores:  22-18, 37-34, 53-45, 68-58.