San Beda Paints Araneta Red; Red Lions Dominate Game 1, 92–71

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NCAA Season 101. San Beda Red Lions vs Benilde Blazers,

Semifinals, December 5, 2025. Photo: Lemuel Medina Seijo

A rematch from last year’s upset, the San Beda Red Lions looked forward to this date, facing off against their Final Four rival, the Benilde Blazers. Late in the afternoon at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the fiery match-up began with strong will and determination as San Beda hoped to keep their footing for a championship run.

It became a battle of brains and strategies between both coaches, yet Coach Yuri Escueta struck the first blow. With his exceptional ability to read plays and the court well, he countered Coach Charles Tiu’s game plan and completely dominated their first game.

The tone was set early as San Beda decided to take Game 1. Benilde stayed aggressive, holding off San Beda with constant deadlocks until both teams were tied at 12–12. San Beda then read their plays well and broke away, finishing the first quarter at 22–19.

At the start of the second quarter, Bryan Sajonia took an elbow to the face from former Bedan Justine Sanchez in the low post, resulting in a bloody sequence. Sajonia was immediately taken to the bench for treatment, forcing the team to adjust their plans and substitutions.

The second quarter continued to be a turning point, becoming the San Beda show as they converted nearly every possession and kept Benilde at a double-digit deficit, eventually holding an 18-point lead.

The second half became even more exciting with back-and-forth exchanges from both teams, yet San Beda continued to widen the margin with Agjanti Miller shooting lights-out. On the Benilde side, Ian Torres responded by relentlessly attacking the rim every time he had the ball.

The final quarter began with Bryan Sajonia entering a flow state, knocking down straight three-pointers; 9 points in under a minute, and extending the lead to 21. Alongside him, Agjanti Miller tallied 29 points, while Sajonia finished with 26, combining for an explosive 54-point performance.

“Of course, it’s always welcome for me. If you’re a coach, it’s always nice to have two guys who can score. They had 29 and 26, but I’m sure come next game they won’t be able to see the same shots they had today,” Coach Yuri Escueta stated at the press conference when asked about the value of his two offensive juggernauts, Agjanti Miller and Bryan Sajonia.

“Uhm, like I said, I’ve been saying all year that I just go out there and play my heart out. When I’m flowing, I’m flowing; and today was one of those games where I be flowing. And if I wasn’t, I’m gonna help other people get their flow,” a humble reply from running MVP Agjanti Miller when asked about his explosive performance in the semifinals against the Benilde Blazers.

The San Beda Red Lions will look to close out the series in Game 2 against the Benilde Blazers, where a victory would secure them a spot in the finals.