Lions sweep Knights to win 24th NCAA crown

MANILA, Philippines — The Red Lions are back on the NCAA basketball throne.

San Beda pulled out all the stops and pulled away late from the Letran Knights, 83-71, to bag the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball championship Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

This is the Red Lions’ 24th overall basketball championship in the NCAA and the team’s second title in three seasons.

Yuki Andrada and Bryan Sajonia had 21 points apiece for San Beda, who played without super scorer Janti Miller due to suspension. Nygel Gonzales chipped in 19 markers, including big shots down the stretch.

After trailing by double digits, Letran sliced the deficit to just five, 60-65, with 7:39 remaining after a deuce by Jimboy Estrada.

A triple by Andrada, followed by a layup by Gonzales, kept the Knights at bay, 70-60.

But a 9-3 run capped by a triple by Deo Cuajao inched Letran closer, 69-73, with 2:52 left.

A 3-pointer by Sajonia, followed by seven straight points by Gonzales, turned the game into a one-sided affair, 83-69, with 1:12 left.

Cuajao then hit a layup that set the final score as the San Beda faithful celebrated.

Jomel Puno tallied seven markers, 14 boards and six dimes for the Red Lions, while Joe Celzo and Penny Estacio chipped in six points each.

Titing Manalili, who was named the Rookie of the Year and the Freshman of the Year, as well as a member of the Mythical Five, led Letran with 15 points, seven assists and six rebounds. Kevin Santos contributed 14 points.