The San Beda College Alabang Women’s Basketball Team (SBCA-WBT) defeated Women’s National Collegiate Athletic Association (WNCAA) newcomers University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center (UERM), 59–13, in their 5-on-5 women's basketball matchup at Chiang Kai Shek College on Oct. 18.

The Red Lionesses set the pace early, limiting UERM's scoring opportunities through defensive pressure and coordinated ball movement.

Defense Dictates the Game

The team immediately took command after winning the tip-off, opening with a 12–0 run that kept UERM scoreless for most of the first quarter. The newcomers broke through with a basket in the closing seconds, trailing 12–2 at the end of the period.

UERM added six points in the second quarter, but SBCA maintained its lead and went into halftime ahead, 20–8.

SBCA widened the gap in the third quarter, holding UERM scoreless while adding 16 points to take a 36–8 lead.

The Red Lionesses maintained their lead in the fourth quarter to secure the 59–13 victory. SBCA finished with 28 steals and 24 assists, compared with UERM's 11 steals and one assist.

The team’s point guard, Bea Antonio (IV-BSIE), earned Player of the Game honors after recording six points, one rebound, seven assists, and 11 steals for SBCA. Ingrid Ramoran led UERM with four points.

Teamwork Behind the Victory

Team captain Alessandra Serrano (II-BSIT) credited the team's preparation and commitment for its performance against UERM.

“The most important part was showing up,” Serrano said, stressing that consistent training, hard work, and personal sacrifices matter even beyond individual skill.

SBCA's 24 assists also reflected the team's ball movement throughout the game.

Serrano also emphasized the importance of communication, explaining that encouraging teammates and helping them remain composed can make a difference during a match. “When we really work as a team, we’re a really great team,” she said.

Serrano also recognized UERM's defensive effort, saying the new opponent challenged SBCA to move the ball and create scoring opportunities.

Steady Progress

Head coach Moui Stevens praised the team's execution, saying the players applied their training and performed beyond the original game plan. 

“They went beyond the game plan, and somehow, everything that we trained for, they were able to execute it,” Stevens said.

Assistant coach Angel Morales also noted the team's improvement since its opening game, particularly in its teamwork and contributions from players across the lineup. She described the win as a confidence boost ahead of the quarterfinals, while acknowledging that the team still had areas to improve.

“This is a good win and a confidence booster for us, kasi in the next two weeks, crucial siya for us to prepare better for the next game. Do-or-die kasi ‘yun, so we really need to improve our game,” she stated.

Growing With The League

The game also marked SBCA's first matchup against UERM, which is competing in the WNCAA for the first time this season.

Serrano said UERM's defense challenged the Red Lionesses to improve their ball movement.

“They brought something new to the court, and their defense was actually really good,” she said.

Morales also welcomed UERM’s participation, emphasizing that the arrival of new schools creates more opportunities for women’s basketball programs to develop.

“I think they have more opportunities to improve if they keep joining. So, hopefully, we grow together with the rest of the teams, lalo na the new teams,” Morales shared. 

The Red Lionesses will carry the win into their quarterfinal preparations as they continue their campaign in the WNCAA's 57th season.