Both the star players of the San Beda University have voiced out that they are going to be ready for their semifinals opponent after winning their quarterfinals match against the Lyceum of the Philippine University last November 27 at the Mall of Asia Arena in the ongoing NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball.
Yukien Andrada – “We have to be prepared.”
Back when their opponents weren’t determined, during the postgame interview last Thursday, the 6-foot-5 center for the Red Lions shared to the media that he is confident that his coaching staff will prepare enough for them, and as players, they just have to be ready.
“Well, both teams are really good, so we just have to, whoever wins, you know, we just have to be prepared, you know. The coaches will do their job as I said, and I think, either of those 2, whichever one wins, we will be ready for them.”
The 2 teams Yukien were pertaining to are the College of Saint Benilde and the Mapúa University.
Going back to their quarterfinals win against the LPU Pirates, Andrada had 20 points, 3 rebounds, and a steal while going 7 of 15 from the field, knocking down 6 of his 10 three-point attempts.
Ajanti Miller – “We’re not scared of no one, and I know they’re not scared of us.”
The 6-foot-4 Fil Am rookie for the Red Lions also shared the same mentality as his teammate after getting the win and going to his first ever NCAA semifinals.
In an exclusive interview by Rebanse, Miller shared his excitement and his idea of “staying ready” against either the Blazers or the Cardinals.
“We are just going to go out there and compete just like any other team and any other game. We’re scared of no one and I know they’re not scared of us so it’s just going to be some good basketball out, good competition.”
Agjanti had 18 points and 6 rebounds while draining 3 out of his 5 three-point attempts.
The One Who Rebounds the Ball, Controls the Game
He was then glad that their game plan of out-rebounding and out-running LPU worked out well for them to get the dominant win.
“Our game plan was rebounding. Out-rebounding, get stops and run. I’m glad we were able to do that. Our big were able to, I think Bis [Lina] and Joe [Celzo] got double digits and Nygel [Gonzales] got double digits so I’m just happy we got there rebounded and you see the outcome.”
His teammates were indeed able to get double digits in rebounding. Bismarck Lina had 13, Nygel Gonzales had 10, and Daniel Celzo also had 13.
Overall, the Red Lions had 59 boards against the 32 of the LPU Pirates, as well as leading by as many as 26 big points in their match.
The Best of Three Semifinals match between San Beda University versus the College of Saint Benilde will begin this December 2 (Tuesday) at the SMART Araneta Coliseum at 2:30 PM.
