(UPDATE) RED spilled over blue in this rivalry match.
San Beda University stormed back to reclaim the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball championship title, defeating Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 83-71, in Game 2 on Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Red Lions refused to let the Knights force a deciding game, instead bringing the championship back to Mendiola in a triumphant return to the top and securing their 24th title in the league. San Beda entered the final quarter with a 65-53 lead, powered by the solid performances from Jomel Puno, Yuki Andandra, and Bryan Sajonia. But Letran’s Jimboy Estrada ignited a late push, cutting the deficit to five points, 65-60, with seven minutes left to play.
HEAR ‘EM ROAR The San Beda Red Lions win the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball finals after defeating the Letran Knights, 83-71, at the Araneta Coliseum on Dec. 13, 2025. Bryan Sajonia is awarded the Finals MVP. PHOTO BY RIO DELUVIO
The Escueta-led Red Lions regained composure, clamping down on Letran’s key players — containing Estrada and shutting down Titing Manalili — to spark a decisive run and push the lead back up to 70-60. As time ran out, Escueta’s strategic adjustments and defensive grit ultimately paid dividends.
Late-game heroes Nygel Gonzales and Yuki Andrada led the charge, propelling San Beda to an 80-69 lead with less than two minutes remaining, all but clinching the championship for the Red Lions.
The Red Lions dug deep to secure the win, rallying without their main gunner and NCAA Season 101 MVP Janti Miller, who was ejected in Game 1 after picking up two technical fouls.
“I am thankful for my players, and to all my coaches. This is the product of our hard work and effort,” Escueta said after the game. Escueta was asked to compare his first and second championships with San Beda. His response? No comparison. He’s already setting sights on titles three and four, signaling a dynasty in the making.
Sajonia took home Finals MVP honors, contributing 21 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists. Andrada matched him with 21 points, while Gonzales chipped in 19. Jomel Puno added seven points and 14 rebounds in support.
Manalili led the charge for Letran with 15 points and seven assists, while Kevin Santos added 14 points, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win.
