Defending champion San Beda University finally broke through in Group A of Season 102 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament on Thursday after beating Lyceum of the Philippines University, 83-74, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

The Red Lions returned to action after a week-and-a-half layoff, with their scheduled game against Jose Rizal University (JRU) last Friday postponed due to heavy rains and venue concerns.

Despite the long break, San Beda showed little rust as head coach Yuri Escueta’s wards picked up their first win of the season to improve to a 1-1 win-loss record.

Lawrence Hawkins led the charge with a double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds, while also contributing two blocks and two steals.

“I just focused on the game and I didn’t even pay attention to my score. It was a team effort,” Hawkins said.

“It is important for us to follow the system because we wouldn’t have been able to win the game.”

Dan Marcelo paced the Red Lions with 16 points and eight rebounds, while Jimuel Reyes added 15 points and Jomel Puno chipped in 11.

Lyceum, meanwhile, failed to build on its 88-87 win over Mapua last Monday and dropped to 1-2.

Matthew Rublico finished with 15 points, five assists, three rebounds and two steals for the Pirates, while Mclaude Guadana and Renz Villegas added 14 and 12 points, respectively.

San Beda will have little time to celebrate its first victory, however, as it gets just 48 hours to recover before facing JRU in their rescheduled game on Saturday at the same venue.