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| San Beda captured its 24th NCAA men's basketball title. NCAA |
QUEZON CITY––San Beda University completed a dominant championship run as the Red Lions defeated the Letran Knights, 83-71, in Game 2 of the NCAA men's basketball finals on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Letran set the early tone of the contest.
The Knights controlled stretches of the opening quarter and finished the first period ahead, 19–14, behind timely baskets and defensive pressure.
San Beda gradually settled down in the second quarter, responding with key shots from Bryan Sajonia, Yukien Andrada, and Joe Celzo.
Still, Letran managed to keep its nose in front heading into the break, taking a slim 39–37 halftime lead after a tightly contested first half.
The championship tilt swung decisively in the third quarter as San Beda caught fire from long range.
The Red Lions knocked down six three-pointers in the period, three of them from Andrada, turning a two-point halftime deficit into a commanding 65-53 advantage.
The Knights attempted to rally in the fourth quarter, trimming the lead behind baskets from Titing Manalili, Bryan Santos, Jimboy Estrada, and Deo Cuajao.
However, San Beda answered every run; Sajonia buried a crucial three, Gonzales powered through multiple and-one plays, and Andrada continued to stretch the floor, pushing the lead back to double digits.
San Beda closed the game in full control, pulling away late to seal the championship in regulation. Sajonia and Andrada finished with 21 points apiece, while Nygel Gonzales delivered key baskets and free throws in the closing stretch.
Sajonia, adjudged the Finals MVP, and Andrada each scored 21 points in their final game for the Red Lions before they move to the PBA.
Manalili led the Knights with 15 points, six rebounds, seven assists, and one steal.
