San Beda reaffirmed its status as the undisputed junior basketball team in NCAA history by beating arch rival Letran, 88-72, yesterday in their winner-take-all match at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
The score did not reflect the tough match as the Red Cubs struck hard in the fourth quarter to stave off the challenge of the Squires.
Holding a 65-64 lead after three quarters, San Beda scored nine unanswered points, sparked by a pair of three-point shots by James Martinez and Rogermar Menor, to take a 74-64 lead.
The Squires, who forced the rubber match last Wednesday following an 81-76 win at the Araneta Coliseum, failed to recover, their campaign saddled by muffed easy shots, poor shot selection and numerous errors.
Winning coach Edmundo Badolato paid tribute to the Squires’ tough stand.
"Letran is a very good team. They gave us plenty trouble. We had to play extra hard to win," said Badolato, who won his 15th title since 1972.
Rogemar Menor, the league’s MVP, topscored with 30 points and 20 rebounds and James Martinez chipped in 15 for San Beda, which dominated the boards with 40 rebounds, 33 by Menor and Jay-R Taganas.
Taganas also defended well against Letran ace center Ezer Rosopa inside the shaded area.
Lucas Tagarda paced Letran with 17 points, while Ezer Rosopa contributed 16 and Miguel Martin 15.
"Talagang pinaghandan namin ito.. Nagtrabaho kami ng husto para manalo at panatiliin ang korona sa amin campus," said Taganas, a native of San Mateo, Isabela.
Taganas and Menor said they will play for the Red Lions next year, erasing speculation that they will play in the UAAP.
"May mga teams sa UAAP na kumausap sa amin dalawa para maglaro. Hindi kami aalis at maglalaro kami sa Red Lions next year," assured Taganas.
The scores:
SBC 88 —
Menor 30, Martinezz 15, Tecson 9, Victorino 8, Castillo 8, Taganas 8, Guillermo 6, Hermida 2, Principe 0, Cruz 0.
Letran 72 — Tagarda 17, Rosopa 16, Martin 15, Musji 12, Valencia 4, de Mesa 4, Ruiz 3, Dizon 1, Latronio 0, Garland 0.
Quarters: 23-29, 51-43, 65-64, 88-72.
