THE SAN BEDA Red Lions roared back when it mattered most, overpowering archrivals the Colegio de San Juan de Letran (CSJL) Knights, 83-71, in Game 2 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 101 basketball finals to clinch their 24th championship at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, December 13.
Unlike their runaway victory in Game 1, the finals rematch opened at a blistering yet disciplined pace, with both teams trading baskets and defensive steps from the opening tip.
The Knights took an early foothold behind efficient inside scoring, while the Miller-less San Beda absorbed the pressure and responded with timely perimeter shooting to prevent the Knights from pulling away.
The Knights drew first blood in the opening quarter, edging the Red Lions, 19-14, converting 12 of their 23 in the paint and capitalizing on second-chance opportunities.
San Beda struggled to find the rhythm, shooting just 36 percent in the first frame, but remained composed defensively to limit further damage.
Momentum shifted in the second quarter as the Red Lions began tightening its rotations and generating cleaner looks through sharper ball movement. Outscoring Letran to 23-20, San Beda trimmed the deficit to 39-37 heading into halftime.
Coming out of the break, the Red Lions delivered the defining stretch of the game. San Beda erupted for 28 points in the third frame, flipping the game on its head with relentless pace and improved shot selection. Bryan Sajonia and Yukien Andrada spearheaded the surge, exploiting defensive gaps and knocking down timely shots from deep.
The Lions’ defensive intensity matched their offensive explosion, limiting the Knights to just 14 points in the period. What was once a tight contest quickly became a statement run, as San Beda seized full control heading into the final frame with a commanding edge.
Letran attempted to rally in the fourth quarter, but San Beda never wavered. The Red Lions executed with poise down the stretch, matching every push and closing the door to secure the 83–71 victory and complete the Finals sweep.
Sajonia paced the Lions with 21 points, drilling four triples while adding six rebounds and five assists. Andrada matched him with 21 points, alongside five rebounds and three assists, while Nygel Gonzales delivered 19 points on efficient shooting. San Beda’s starters accounted for 74 of the team’s 83 points, underscoring the Lions’ control throughout the night.
San Beda shot 43.8 percent from the field, 37.5 percent from beyond the arc, and 83.3 percent from the free-throw line, while also holding advantages in fastbreak and perimeter scoring to neutralize Letran’s interior strength.
In a postgame interview, head coach Yuri Escueta credited the players’ determination for the championship run, remarking that the team’s hunger ultimately carried them through the Finals. “Nanood lang ako sa kanila. They’re the ones who really wanted this championship,” Escueta said.
Reflecting on his long-running partnership with team captain Yukien Andrada, Escueta recalled a moment that strengthened their resolve. “Sabi ko nga kay Yuki, iniwan na kami ng lahat, kami na lang dalawa ang naiwan. At least nakadalawa na kami,” he said.
Escueta also highlighted the team’s strong halftime response as evidence of character built over years of shared experience. He said the players “really showed character,” developed through both wins and losses, adding that they never gave up, locked down defensively, and followed the game plan.
He also reflected on the team’s identity, explaining that the Red Lions’ approach is guided by three core values: “servanthood, professionalism, and humility” as the principles he consistently reminds his players to uphold.
Meanwhile, Andrada credited his performance to the trust given by his teammates and coaches, especially after dealing with injuries and inconsistent outings throughout the season. He said that belief allowed him to deliver in moments he had been preparing for since childhood.
Sajonia earned the Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) honors, while Escueta was named Coach of the Year. With the win, the Red Lions now hold a record 24 titles, their first championship since Season 99.
(with Bianca Ashley Bitanga)
Quarter Scores: 14-19, 37-39, 65-53, 83-71
San Beda 83 – Sajonia 21, Andrada 21, Gonzales 15, Puno 7, Celzo 6, Estacio 6, Reyes 3,
Letran 71 – Manalili 15, Santos 14, Roque 12, Estrada 10, Cuajao 8, Buensalida 5, Tapenio 3 Omega 2, Monteillo 2