THE San Beda College Alabang (SBCA) Red Lions defeated De La Salle Lipa (DLSL) Green Stallions, 87-84, in the men's 5v5 basketball tournament of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) South Season 28 last Oct. 24 at the SBCA Sports Complex.

The Red Lions opened with a 23-18 lead in the first quarter before Green Stallions tightened its defense and forced turnovers in the second quarter. SBCA regained the lead at halftime, 48-47, and widened the margin to 72-66 in the third quarter through consecutive steals and several scoring opportunities.

Despite Stallions' attempts to close the gap in the final quarter, Lions maintained their advantage until the final buzzer. Fil Autor (I-BSBA-MM) led the Red Lions with 17 points, while Carganilla paced DLSL with 21 points.

In a postgame interview with THE BEDAN HERALD, Red Lion’s team captain Marck Lhoyd Aquino (IV-BSBA-MM) commended the team's execution of their coaches' game plan, emphasizing their defensive approach and quick offensive transitions.

“For me, nag-stick lang po kami sa plan ng aming coaches kasi ang main point namin is maka-defense muna, maka-stop—stop and score. After that, ‘pag naka-stop kami, we push the ball forward lagi. Dapat hindi tumatagal sa amin ‘yung bola,” Aquino said.

Head coach Teddy Pulinga acknowledged the team's defensive lapses and lack of discipline despite securing the win, describing the performance as an “ugly win but a win nonetheless so we'll take it.”

Pulinga said the team needs to improve its defensive discipline and composure on offense as the team prepares for its upcoming games. He also shared the team's aspiration to reach the Final Four and eventually compete for the championship.

“This year we want to make it to the Final Four, hopefully,” Pulinga said.