San Beda University head coach Yuri Escueta bared that the team's longtime rivalry with Colegio de San Juan de Letran brings out the best in the Red Lions as they figured in another clash on Wednesday.
That was exactly what happened when San Beda dealt Letran a 91-77 lopsided beating to further fortify its bid to finish within the top two of the ongoing NCAA Season 98.
"Of course, playing against Letran talagang it brings out the best of the players. Kaming coaches 'di na namin masyadong na-motivate eh, more of game plan ang focus namin," said Escueta.
"Talagang minotivate nila sarili nila, kita naman sa game. Tsaka hats off to them for being composed, focus lang sila laro tsaka sabi ko, be smarter than even before sa mga ganyang laro."
It was a dominant showing from the Mendiola crew with five players finishing in double-digit marks to lead a balanced-scoring for San Beda.
James Kwekuteye led the way with 19 points, seven rebounds, and two assists while Damie Cuntapaya shot 4-of-4 from downtown to finish with 16 markers and five boards.
Yukien Andrada dropped 15 while JB Bahio and Gab Cometa each contributed 10 points to complete a sweep of elimination round series against the Knights, which came into the contest with a nine-game winning streak.
For Escueta, it's a reflection of the effectiveness of the system he's installed at San Beda.
"'Yun naman talaga, that's why we try to run a system and ngayon, we have a better understanding of each other's strengths and weaknesses na within the system so also, 'yung mga ball movement namin."
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
