San Beda Red Lions stamped their dominance once more, overpowering longtime rival Letran Knights, 83–71, in Game 2 of the NCAA Season 101 Men’s Basketball Finals on Saturday, December 13, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to clinch the championship and secure the school’s 24th NCAA title.
Despite playing without suspended star rookie Agjanti Miller, the Mendiola-based squad leaned on experience, depth, and timely shooting to put away the Knights and close the series.
Letran came out aggressive and controlled the tempo early, taking a slim 39–37 lead at halftime in a tightly contested first half. But San Beda flipped the switch after the break, unleashing a barrage of three-pointers and tightening its defense to seize control of the game.
The Red Lions outscored the Knights decisively in the third quarter, turning a two-point deficit into a commanding 65–53 advantage heading into the final period. From there, San Beda maintained its composure and never allowed Letran to mount a serious comeback.
Yuki Andrada led the championship charge with 21 points, matched by Bryan Sajonia’s 21, while Gonzales added 19 to power San Beda’s balanced attack.
Andrada’s performance was particularly significant, as the 6”5 shooter capped his collegiate career with a title before moving on to the professional ranks after being drafted by Magnolia in the PBA.
After the game, head coach Yuri Escueta credited the victory to the Red Lions’ team culture and core values.
“I always tell my players three things: Servanthood, being professional, and (H)umility—SBU,” Escueta said, underscoring the principles that guided San Beda throughout the season.
Escueta also highlighted Andrada’s decision to return for one final year following last season’s setback.
“After we lost last season to CSB, he didn’t hesitate to come back,” the coach said.
Andrada echoed his coach’s sentiments, acknowledging Letran’s effort while emphasizing San Beda’s hunger to win.
“Letran also played really good, but we just wanted more,” Andrada said.
“That’s what I’ve always wanted—leaving a legacy. After that horrible 100th season, I didn’t think twice about coming back. I wanted to give San Beda a championship again before I leave and go to the pros,” Andrada added.
Letran was paced by Manalili with 15 points and Santos with 14, but the Knights struggled to keep up once San Beda found its rhythm from beyond the arc in the second half.
With the 83–71 victory, the Red Lions not only settled the rivalry but also reaffirmed their place atop NCAA basketball, adding another chapter to San Beda’s storied championship tradition.
Final Score:
San Beda 83 – Andrada 21, Sajonia 21, Gonzales 19, Puno 7, Celzo 6, Estacio 6
Letran 71 – Manalili 15, Santos 14, Roque 12, Estrada 10, Cuajao 8
Quarter scores: 14–19, 37–39, 65–53, 83–71
