After a convincing 91–72 win over the College of Saint Benilde Blazers in the first game of the semifinals round, San Beda head coach Yuri Escueta said he is simply glad his team is performing well at this stage of the season.

“I'm just happy that we're playing this way at this part of the season,” Escueta told DAILY TRIBUNE Tuesday afternoon at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Asked whether being heavily favored or labeled as contenders adds pressure, Escueta smiled and pointed out that at the start of the season the Red Lions were not even in most people’s top four.

“It doesn't matter if you're in the top four or if you're a contender, you still have to go through tough teams like Letran and Perpetual and CSB,” Escueta said.

Escueta also praised Janti Miller, who once again led the Red Lions in scoring with 29 points and nine rebounds.

“As a coach, it's a blessing to have a player of his caliber,” Escueta said. “Whatever happens, I'm very happy with how he's playing.”

Now in his fourth year at the helm of the Mendiola-based squad, Escueta is looking to add another championship after steering San Beda to the NCAA title in Season 99.