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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Collegiate devider San Beda reclaims NCAA crown, downs Letran for 24th overall title

San Beda reclaims NCAA crown, downs Letran for 24th overall title

Published Dec 13, 2025 05:05 pm

At A Glance

  • San Beda climbed back to the NCAA summit after beating archrival Letran Knights, 83-71, in Game 2 to reclaim the crown in Season 101 men's basketball Finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Saturday, Dec. 13.
The San Beda Red Lions reclaim the NCAA crown after sweeping the Letran Knights in the Season 101 Finals. (GMA/NCAA Images)
The San Beda Red Lions reclaim the NCAA crown after sweeping the Letran Knights in the Season 101 Finals. (GMA/NCAA Images)
They wanted it last year, but fate served them right this season.
San Beda climbed back to the NCAA summit after beating archrival Letran Knights, 83-71, in Game 2 to reclaim the crown in Season 101 men’s basketball Finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Saturday, Dec. 13.
Champions of the league two years ago, the Red Lions saw the centennial edition as the worthiest of all but slipped in the semifinals against the Benilde Blazers who were eventually swept in the championship round by the Mapua Cardinals.
They brushed off the frustrations and used the painful memories as fuel. Now, they are back as kings of the NCAA.
Playing without Agjanti Miller, the Mendiola-based squad got off to a lethargic start before it fought back in the second half where Yukien Andrada, Bryan Sajonia, and Nygel Gonzales spearheaded the Lions’ attack to build a 70-60 lead in the payoff period.
The Knights managed to cut the deficit to just four, 69-73, off Deo Cuajao’s triple, but it wasn’t enough as Gonzales sparked a 10-2 counterattack the Letran side couldn't handle anymore.
It marked the 24th overall championship for San Beda to keep its status as the winningest school in the NCAA.
Meanwhile, Finals debutant Titing Manalili and the Knights suffered another gut-wrenching Finals defeat and will wait for another year to taste the glory they last earned in Season 98.
Escueta, along with his three key arsenals, were part of his first title with the Red Lions who was once led by James Payosing and Jacob Cortez.
“Of course, all glory to God. But with all the help that I got, the trust from the school, players and the coaches this wouldn’t be possible,” said Escueta, who was named the Coach of the Year.
"Dream ko talaga ang makapag-champion. Ang sarap sa feeling, talagang pinaghirapan namin ‘to,” added Sajonia, who named as Finals MVP after posting 19 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in the series.
Andrada, who is set for his PBA debut with the Magnolia Hotshots, produced a fitting output of 21 points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals, and three blocks.
“That’s why I stay, I believed in coach Yuri and also to my teammates and coaches na we’re gonna get this championship back, and I’m so happy that we did,” said Andrada.
Backing up the San Beda skipper were Sajonia who uncorked 21 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and one steal, while Gonzales posted 19 points, three rebounds, and four assists. Jomel Puno added seven points on top of 14 rebounds, six assists, and one steal.
On the other hand, Manalili powered the Intramuros-based crew with 15 points, six rebounds, seven assists, and one steal, while Kevin Santos, Jun Roque, and Jimboy Estrada chipped in 14, 12, and 10 points, respectively, which all went down the drain.
The scores:
SAN BEDA 83 – Andrada 21, Sajonia 21, Gonzales 19, Puno 7, Celzo 6, Estacio 6, Reyes 3, Lina 0, Etulle 0, Calimag 0.
LETRAN 71 – Manalili 15, Santos 14, Roque 12, Estrada 10, Cuajao 8, Buensalida 5, Tapenio 3, Omega 2, Montecillo 2.
Quarters: 14-19, 37-39, 65-53, 83-71.
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