IN A thrilling showdown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, San Beda secured its long-awaited championship by defeating Mapua 76-66 in the NCAA men’s basketball Finals on Sunday (17 Dec 2023).

The Red Lions emerged victorious in the best-of-three title series, marking their 23rd crown and denying the Cardinals a chance to capture their first championship since 1991.

Overcoming early-season setbacks, San Beda showcased resilience, especially against top-ranked Mapua, whom they had lost to in the previous three encounters.

Excelling in do-or-die situations, the Red Lions climbed from the third spot in the regular season to clinch their place in the Finals, defeating the second-ranked Lyceum of the Philippines University.

Expressing his joy, head coach Yuri Escueta, in his second season with the program, commended his players for their dedication and hard work throughout the season.

Escueta, a proven winner with UAAP titles as a player for Ateneo, highlighted the team’s journey, saying, “Pinagtrabahuan namin ito since January. Lahat pinagdaanan namin.”

James Payosing, delivering a standout performance, secured the Finals MVP title with a double-double of 11 points and 14 rebounds, accompanied by two steals.

Yukien Andrada played a pivotal role as he uncorked an impressive second-half surge, contributing 20 points along with Nygel Gonzales who came away with 10 points to the scoreboard.

In the final period, Andrada matched the Cardinals’ output with nine points, sealing the deal for the Red Lions who had a decisive 23-point final quarter output.

JC Recto led Mapua with 18 points and 13 rebounds, while season MVP Clint Escamis faced shooting challenges, finishing with 13 points on a 4-of-22 shooting performance.

Peter Rosillo chipped in with 10 points for Mapua.

The scores:

San Beda 76 — Andrada 20, Payosing 11, Gonzales 10, Cortez 8, Royo 6, Jopia 6, Tagle 4, Alfaro 4, Puno 3, Visser 2, Cuntapay 2.

Mapua 66 — Recto 18, Escamis 13, Rosillo 10, Hernandez 6, Cuenco 5, Dalisay 5, Bonifacio 4, Soriano 3, Fornis 2, Bancale 0, Sabsalon 0.

Quarterscores: 24-15; 36-35; 53-57; 76-66