Sajonia delivers as San Beda bounces back with Filoil preseason rout of Arellano

Bryan Sajonia once again starred for San Beda University, steering the Red Lions to a 78-65 win against Arellano University in the 2023 FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup on Wednesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.

Sajonia, who transferred to the Mendiola squad from Far Eastern University, dropped a game-high 17 points alongside six rebounds and one steal while Richi Calimag contributed 14 markers and three boards as San Beda improved to 3-4.

Arellano, on the other hand, remained winless with a 0-7 card.

Holding a one-point advantage ahead of the fourth period, 52-51, the Red Lions turned things around with a quick 12-2 run instigated by Sajonia as well as James Payosing, 64-53. 

Another triple from Emman Tagle made it a 73-58 upper hand for San Beda in the final 3:32 before Lars Sunga, who has been the bright spot for the Chiefs in the preseason tilt, buried a basket to cut their deficit to 10, 73-63.

But Sajonia was just unstoppable, unleashing the finishing kick with four of the last five points as San Beda returned to the win column.

Jade Talampas led Arellano with 14 points while Troy Valencia chipped in 11.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News