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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Collegiate devider San Beda, Letran go for jugular

San Beda, Letran go for jugular

Published Dec 4, 2025 02:48 pm

At A Glance

  • San Beda University and Colegio de San Juan de Letran try to go for the kill and dispatch their separate foes in Game 2 of their respective semifinals series in the NCAA Season 101 men's basketball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Friday, Dec. 5.
Agjanti Miller leads San Beda anew against CSB. (GMA/NCAA Images)
Agjanti Miller leads San Beda anew against CSB. (GMA/NCAA Images)
San Beda University and Colegio de San Juan de Letran try to go for the kill and dispatch their separate foes in Game 2 of their respective semifinals series in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Friday, Dec. 5.
Riding the crest of their dominant Game 1 win, the Red Lions hope to deliver the finishing blow against rival College of St. Benilde Blazers in their 12nn affair to finally make it back to the Finals after missing out last season.
The same motivation is what the Knights will be banking on as they, too, look to dispatch the Perpetual Altas in their own semis duel at 2:30 p.m.
Should San Beda and Letran squeeze through, they will be rekindling their storied rivalry which was last seen in the NCAA finals stage in 2019 when the Knights, bannered by Finals MVP Fran Yu and Jerick Balanza, bested the once Evan Nelle-led Red Lions with a 2-1 series win.
But CSB and Perpetual are surely determined to spoil the party as they look to drag their respective series to a winner-take-all Game 3.
San Beda head coach Yuri Escueta is bracing for a huge fightback from Benilde although he expressed confidence that his charges won’t suffer the same fate as last season where they were eliminated by the Blazers.
“I have confidence with these players because I saw them work every day, morning and every after practice. I have full confidence in them,” said San Beda head coach Yuri Escueta.
“I’m sure they won’t be able to see the same squad they saw today. I’m sure the CSB coaching staff will make adjustments so we have to be ready to give them the same looks,” he added.
Last Tuesday, San Beda reaffirmed its mastery against Benilde by dominating both ends before closing it out with a convincing 91-72 triumph behind offensive brilliance from Agjanti Miller and Bryan Sajonia.
Miller and Sajonia combined for 55 points in Game 1 as they lead the Mendiola-based squad alongside graduating skipper Yukien Andrada.
But they cannot relax against the Blazers who will be riding the broad shoulders of reigning MVP Allen Liwag alongside Ian Torres, Shawn Umali, Tony Ynot, Justine Sanchez and Raffy Celis.
Meanwhile, Letran aims to keep its strong start until the final horn against the feisty Perpetual side.
The Knights almost squandered a 43-24 cushion in the second frame, but managed to keep their heads above the water.
Titing Manalili showcased why he is one of the most talented guards in the collegiate scene, threading flashy passes and making key plays to anchor Letran which also got strong support from Jimboy Estrada, Deo Cuajao, Mark Omega, and Jun Roque.
Still, their individual skills may not be enough, as Perpetual’s resilience is expected to surface once again. The Altas also boast multiple weapons in Patrick Sleat, John Abis, JP Boral, and Mark Gojo Cruz, any of whom could orchestrate the improbable for Olsen Racela’s squad.

Related Tags

San Beda Red Lions CSB Blazers Letran Knights NCAA Season 101 Perpetual Altas
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