Just three games into his NCAA debut, Bismarck Lina already eked out his breakout game after steering San Beda University to a vengeful 79-65 win against Arellano University in the NCAA Season 100 on Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The transferee big man, who missed their first seven games due to a recovery from his ACL injury, posted a career-high 20 points on an efficient 63.6 field goal percentage while also grabbing seven rebounds, one assist, and one steal in 21 minutes of action.
With the former UP Fighting Maroon leading the charge, Red Lions extended their winning streak to four to soar to solo second spot at 7-3 while sending their first round tormentor to a 3-7 slate.
"Hindi naman sa makabawi, it's just that I'm very happy kasi I've warned the team that all teams are now battling for position, especially in the second round," San Beda head coach Yuri Escueta said.
"We saw what happened yesterday na 'yung mga higher teams natalo ng mga nasa baba."
The 23-year-old big man made up for lost time after missing San Beda's first encounter with the Chiefs last September 28 that saw the defending champions fall to Arellano, 72-70, as he unleashed seven quick points to help his side establish a 41-29 halftime lead.
He replicated that same output in the third amidst as the Red Lions suddenly found themselves enjoying a 65-41 before heading to the fourth while also getting crucial baskets from veteran swingman Yukien Andrada.
Lina then converted three straight baskets, allowing San Beda to take a 76-53 cushion before the Chiefs staged a last-gasp rally, cutting the deficit to just 14 after trailing by as much as 27, 76-62, behind T-Mc Ongotan, Ernjay Geronimo, and Basti Valencia.
However, a massive corner triple from Jomel Puno took the fight out of the Chiefs as it sent the Red Lions to a 79-62 advantage with 1:32 to go.
Andrada provided the support, scoring 11 points at the half on the way to finishing with 15 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals while Puno tallied a double-double of 14 markers and 10 boards.
Scores:
San Beda 79 – Lina 20, Andrada 15, Puno 14, Sajonia 8, Payosing 7, Gonzales 4, RC Calimag 3, Songcuya 3, P. Estacio 2, Richi Calimag 2, Tagle 1, Celzo 0, Bonzalida 0, Royo 0, Sollano 0.
Arellano 65 – Capulong 16, Ongotan 10, Valencia 9, Vinoya 6, Geronimo 5, Borromeo 4, Flores 4, Camay 2, Abiera 2, Libang 2, De Leon 2, Acop 2, X. Estacio 1, Hernal 0, Miller 0.
Quarters: 23-16, 41-29, 65-41, 79-65.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
