SAN Beda University showcased unwavering determination as they triumphed over Mapua University in a thrilling finale to secure their first NCAA men’s basketball championship since 2018. The Red Lions emerged victorious with a final score of 76-66 in the decisive Game 3 of the finals series held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Despite starting the series with a 0-1 disadvantage and facing eight do-or-die games in Season 99, San Beda displayed resilience and clinched their 23rd men’s basketball title in the country’s oldest collegiate league. This victory also served as sweet redemption for their loss to Mapua in the 1991 finals.
Head coach Yuri Escueta expressed his elation and praised his players’ dedication, saying, “Of course, I’m happy, and at the same time, I’m very happy for my players. These are the guys who stayed and said to themselves, ‘This is us; we’re going to work hard for this.’ We’ve worked for this since January. We joined the D-League, we went to Malaysia, and even in Davao, we couldn’t beat the teams there, so this team went through so much. In the second round, we were struggling, but these guys said to themselves that we have to be resilient.”
The match took place in front of an impressive crowd of 23,077 fans. San Beda dominated the early stages of the game, establishing a 17-9 lead and extending it to nine points at 24-15. However, Mapua fought back, turning the game into a closely contested battle.
Heading into the third quarter, Mapua managed to seize a 57-53 advantage and maintained a slim lead of 61-58 two minutes into the final quarter following a basket by Jc Recto.
But it was at this crucial moment that Yukien Andrada, James Payosing, and Jacob Cortez stepped up for the Red Lions, leading a remarkable 16-5 comeback. Oliver Tagle’s two free throws in the last 15.2 seconds sealed the victory for San Beda.
Andrada was instrumental in the team’s success, contributing 20 points, including five three-pointers during San Beda’s pivotal run. He also added six rebounds and two steals to his impressive performance. Payosing, awarded the Finals MVP, showcased his determination with 11 points, 14 crucial rebounds, and two assists. Nygel Gonzales chipped in with 10 points and three rebounds, while Cortez recorded eight points and eight assists.
On the opposing side, Recto stood out for the Cardinals, delivering 18 points, 14 rebounds, and three assists. However, it was not enough to end Mapua’s 32-year title drought. Season MVP Clint Escamis struggled with his shooting, going 4-of-22 from the field, but contributed 13 points, five rebounds, and four assists in an attempt to make a difference for his team.
San Beda University’s victory in the NCAA men’s basketball championship serves as a testament to their resilience, hard work, and determination. It marks a significant milestone for the team and their dedicated fans, while also solidifying their position as one of the powerhouses in collegiate basketball.
Source: The Manila Times
