By: Miguel Caramoan
Even without the suspended Janti Miller, San Beda University leaned on a dominant 28-14 third quarter, powered by Yuki Andrada, to edge Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 83-71, in a tense Game 2 of the finals on Saturday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum – securing their 24th crown in the Grand Old League.
It was another double-digit victory for the Red Lions, following their 89-70 triumph in Game 1 against the Knights.
Graduating star Yuki Andrada delivered a second-half masterclass, pouring in 15 of his 21 points in the final two quarters, including four triples.
Fellow PBA-bound Bryan Sajonia added 21 markers, including a crucial three-pointer that extended San Beda’s lead to 76-69 with 1:59 remaining.
Sajonia was also named Finals MVP, averaging 19.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists over the two games.
Nygel Gonzales contributed a strong performance as well, tallying 19 points along with three rebounds and four assists.
Letran held a 39-37 advantage at halftime, fending off Sajonia’s 15 first-half points. They also dominated the paint, 24-14, led by Jonathan Manalili’s drives and Kevin Santos’ inside attacks.
But, just like Game 1, San Beda seized control in the third quarter, hitting 6-of-9 from beyond the arc. Their lead peaked at 60-46 on Gonzales’ layup with 2:41 remaining in the frame.
The Knights, however, did not go down quietly. They opened the fourth quarter with seven straight points to cut the deficit to 60-65 with 7:39 left.
Deo Cuajao’s triple brought the score to its closest point, 69-73, at 2:51 in the payoff period.
San Beda then closed the game on a decisive 10-2 run, capped by Sajonia’s deep shot and seven points from Gonzales, securing the championship.
At the helm, Yuri Escueta further cemented his growing legacy, guiding the Red Lions to their second title in four seasons, adding to his Season 99 championship win over Mapua University.
The victory also improves San Beda’s Finals head-to-head record against Letran to 11-7, avenging two straight finals losses in Seasons 91 and 95.
For Letran, Manalili led with 15 points, six rebounds, and seven assists. Santos added 14 points, while graduating Jun Roque contributed 12.
Alongside Roque, Cuajao and Mark Omega played their final games for the Knights.
Elsewhere, Patrick Sleat led the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA to a third-place finish this season with an 87-75 victory over College of Saint Benilde.
It’s the Altas’ best finish since Season 80.
The Blazers, meanwhile, were without back-to-back MVP Allen Liwag, who is currently with Gilas Pilipinas at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.
The Scores:
Finals:
San Beda 83 – Andrada 21, Sajonia 21, Gonzales 19, Puno 7, Celzo 6, Estacio 6, Reyes 3, Lina 0, Etulle 0, Calimag 0
Letran 71 – Manalili 15, Santos 14, Roque 12, Estrada 10, Cuajao 8, Buensalida 5, Tapenio 2, Omega 2, Montecillo 2
Quarterscores: 14-19, 37-39, 65-53, 83-71
Bronze Medal Game:
Perpetual 87 – Sleat 19, Gojo Cruz 13, Orgo 12, Casinillo 11, Abis 9, Tulabut 6, Boral 5, Alcantara 4, Pizzaro 4, Nunez 2, Pagulayan 2, Gelsano 0, Guibao 0, Duremdes 0
Benilde 75 – Eusebio 16, Ancheta 9, Galas 8, Sanchez 7, Celis 6, Gonzaga 5, Oli 5, Cometa 4, Gaspay 3, Torres 3, Daja 3, Moore 2, Umali 2
Quarterscores: 20-19, 42-40, 67-61, 87-75
