By MARK REY MONTEJO
San Beda’s quest for a repeat NCAA title in the centennial edition of the grand old league could have been doubly sweet. But the Red Lions suffered a stinging defeat in the semis to College of St. Benilde last year.
Never mind about it.
The Red Lions got their redemption, and it was so sweet after completing a two-game sweep of long-time rival Letran for their 24th championship.
Using last year’s heartbreak as fuel, the Red Lions climbed back to the summit once again after beating archrival Letran Knights, 83-71, in Game 2 to reclaim the NCAA at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Saturday, Dec. 13.
And they did it even without main man Agjanti Miller, who served out his suspension for committing two technical fouls in Game 1.
Though they felt the absence of Miller early, the Lions showed steely resolve and determination to recover. And when they found their offensive rhythm, they were relentless – thanks to Yukien Andrada, Bryan Sajonia, and Nygel Gonzales.
For a while, they appeared headed to another convincing like in Gamed 1 — which it took 89-70 – after posting a 70-60 lead.
But the Knights refused to fade into the night just like that and retaliated, closing in on 69-73 after a Deo Cuajao’s triple.
But it proved to be Letran’s last gallant stand as as Gonzales made a swift 10-2 counter that all but finally settled the outcome. Game over.
It marked the 24th overall championship for San Beda to keep its status as the winningest school in the NCAA, and second for graduating players Andrada and Sajonia, and also for Gonzales and head coach Yuri Escueta.
“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 as Coach of the Year.
Dream ko talaga ang makapag-champion ang sarap sa feeling, talagang pinaghirapan namin ‘to,” added Sajonia, who was 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 performance with 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.
Titing Manalili paced 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.
