By: Miguel Caramoan
San Beda University faced more than just College of Saint Benilde during the NCAA Season 101 Seniors Basketball Semifinals.
Distractions swirled around the Red Lions, and none more personal than for Janti Miller, who missed Game 2 after suddenly experiencing pain in his right knee just hours before tip-off.
Adding fuel to the fire, rumors circulated the night before the game that the standout guard was considering a move to a UAAP school after the season.
But in Game 3, Miller reminded everyone why he’s indispensable.
The 22-year-old guard poured in 26 points and six rebounds on an efficient 50-percent shooting night. He set the tone early with 12 first-half points to keep San Beda within striking distance despite the Blazers’ hot start.
After falling to Benilde for the first time this season and being forced into a do-or-die scenario, San Beda found the perfect moment to recalibrate.
With their season hanging in the balance, the Red Lions locked in, regrouped, and fought their way to yet another hard-earned finals berth.
“Incredible, man. The team’s at an all-time high. Our team chemistry is at 150-percent right now, especially after this game – that was the most camaraderie I’ve seen us have as a team all season,” Miller said.
Beyond the players, head coach Yuri Escueta proved to be a stabilizing force, guiding the team through the most pressurized stretches of the series.
“Coach Yuri is the main one, to make us stay together and stay poised,” Miller added.
“If it wasn’t for him, we would be sporadic out there, so shout out to him.”
As Miller battled through a “right knee contusion” over the past few days, the chatter about potential UAAP suitors persisted. Despite the rumors, the former Casper College standout made it clear that his focus has not wavered.
“I mean, I don’t know. I’ve heard of that, my teammates have told me that, and I’ve heard it around. I wouldn’t know – my mind is focused on the championship,” he said.
“So like I said, stay off Facebook and Instagram and I’m not even thinking about that.”
For now, Miller isn’t entertaining anything outside the NCAA.
With San Beda just steps away from another title, his world is firmly anchored with the team.
“No, it’s right here. I’m not worried about no other school or nothing. It’s right here to win a championship.”
#WATCH: Janti Miller can’t wait for the Letran-San Beda finals—he says he wouldn’t miss today’s game for anything 🦁#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/eWAQm7Wxxb
📹 @ErnestTuazon /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/gkv0vcSnFx
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) December 7, 2025
