YUKIEN Andrada played a pivotal role in leading the San Beda to a hard-fought 57-53 victory over the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta during the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 100 men’s basketball at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan on Friday.

Andrada delivered an impressive performance, sinking five three-pointers to tally 21 points, along with three rebounds, one assist, and one steal. The defending champions, San Beda, improved their record to 8-4, securing solo third place in the standings.

This victory marked their second triumph over Perpetual this season, having won their first-round encounter, 63-62.

Bismarck Lina added valuable support with nine points, six rebounds, and two assists, while Jomel Puno contributed eight points, five rebounds, two assists, and two steals.

“It’s probably our defense in the second quarter. We limited them to seven points, that’s what fueled our offense and got Yuki open,” said San Beda coach Yuri Escueta, highlighting the team’s defensive efforts that created scoring opportunities.

For Perpetual, rookie Mark Gojo Cruz led the charge with 14 points, including three triples, while adding six rebounds, three assists, and two steals. The Altas, however, fell to sixth place with a 5-7 record.

Other notable contributions came from Jearico Nuñez, who scored 11 points and grabbed five rebounds, and Christian Pagaran, who chipped in 10 points.

In the day’s other matchup, Mapua University cruised past Letran, 86-78, with rookie Chris Hubilla nearly achieving a triple-double, posting 19 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists. The Cardinals now hold second place with a 9-3 record, just behind the College of Saint Benilde Blazers (9-2).

Letran’s James Miller and Kobe Monje each contributed 14 points, but the Knights suffered their third consecutive loss, dropping to 6-5, tied with the Lyceum Pirates for fourth place.