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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Collegiate devider Red Lions maul Knights to draw first blood in NCAA Finals

Red Lions maul Knights to draw first blood in NCAA Finals

Published Dec 10, 2025 04:44 pm

At A Glance

  • San Beda bared its fangs and mauled Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 89-70, to draw first blood in their Finals showdown in the NCAA Season 101 men's basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday, Dec. 10.
Nygel Gonzales shines for San Beda. (GMA/NCAA Images)
Nygel Gonzales shines for San Beda. (GMA/NCAA Images)
San Beda bared its fangs and mauled Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 89-70, to draw first blood in their Finals showdown in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday, Dec. 10.
The Red Lions did not waste much time to unleash their ferocity as they dominated early and seized a 22-9 first-quarter lead that they preserved up to the final buzzer.
Game 2 is set this Saturday, Dec. 13, at the same arena, with the Mendiola-based squad going for the finisher and winning its 24th overall crown.
“I was happy with how we played defense at the start of the game and especially at the start of the third,” coach Yuri Escueta said.
"We do, however, have to do better in taking care of the ball because we’re giving them opportunities to score and it’s hard to play good defense if we’re careless with the ball," he added.
Bryan Sajonia powered San Beda after collecting 17 points, six rebounds, and three assists, while Agjanti Miller, who was ejected in the payoff period, contributed 16 points on top nine rebounds, and two assists.
Nygel Gonzales also shone for the Yuri Escueta-mentored crew with 14 points, two rebounds, five assists, and one steal, while Jimmy Reyes and Penny Estacio added eight points apiece.
Competing in his first NCAA seniors finals, Titing Manalili took charge for Letran as he tallied 17 points, two rebounds, five assists, and four steals, while Jimboy Estrada and Jun Roque delivered 14 and 12 points, respectively.
The Knights’ interior struggled offensively with Kevin Santos being limited to just six points, and Mark Omega settling for four points.
The scores:
SAN BEDA 89 – Sajonia 17, Miller 16, Gonzales 14, Estacio 8, Reyes 8, Calimag 7, Celzo 6, Puno 6, Andrada 5, Lina 2, Etulle 0
LETRAN 70 – Manalili 17, Estrada 14, Roque 12, Santos 6, Gammad 6, Omega 4, Buensalida 2, Cuajao 2, Montecillo 2, Tapenio 2, Yusi 2, Gazzingan 1, Rosilio 0
Quarters: 29-19, 46-43, 68-48, 89-70.
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