Coach Ato Badolato ended his three-decade career a winner as San Beda repulsed Letran, 86-75, to capture the 85th NCAA juniors basketball crown on Thursday at The Arena in San Juan City.

Lefty big man Arthur dela Cruz erupted for 15 points in the second half to finish with 23 points and 17rebounds in his last game to help keep the Red Cubs, who lost an 18-point lead in the third quarter, afloat.

But it was Badolato whoo took the spotlight as he completed his coaching stint with his 16th title and secured the school's 17th juniors crown overall, just one title short of Mapua's league-best 18.

"I'm sad because bibitawan ko na, but it is my choice talaga. (I'm) happy because I'm leaving as a champion coach," said Badolato, who shed tears when the final buzzer sounded.

In 37 years as the school's high school coach, Badolato was able to produce a number of players such as Benjie Paras, Ronnie Magsanoc, Renren Ritualo, and JV Casio, among others, that eventually suited up either for the national team or the professional league.

Point guard Baser Amer, the league's Rookie of the Year, backstopped dela Cruz with 21 points, six rebounds, and six assists to be adjudged as the FInals' Most Valuable Player (MVP).

SAN BEDA 86 — Dela Cruz 23, Amer 21, Ludovice 12, Gotladera 7, Javier 4, Moralde 2, Chavez 2, Sara 0.
LETRAN 75 — Tampus 36, Cruz 14, Khobuntin 10, Inigo 5, Ongteco 5, Cudal 3, Cabigas 2, Maravilla 0, So 0.
Quarters: 17-19, 47-34, 67-69, 86-75.