SAN Beda University was in its fiery red form on Monday afternoon and burned down every effort put up by Lyceum of the Philippines University for a 71-56 rout to savor for the third straight season the seniors’ basketball crown of the National Collegiate Athletic Association at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Facing a familiar foe who almost went unbeaten again this season, the Red Lions duplicated their two-game sweep of the Pirates last year to snatch their third straight crown and 21st overall in the league’s 94-year history.
“I’m very happy because we got the championship again. At least, all our sacrifices paid off—those of the coaches and the players,” San Beda Head Coach Boyet Fernandez said.
Fernandez was quick to deflect the credit to his fellow coaches and players.
“This is not only my effort but the effort of the whole community,” he said.
For his consistent effort in the championship series, Javee Mocon was named Finals Most Valuable Player for his double-double averages of 15 points and 10.5 rebounds, which also went with three blocked shots.
The graduating forward meant business right from the onset and scattered eight points in a 23-15 Red Lions run in the first quarter.
Jaycee Marcelino’s triple at the buzzer pulled Lyceum to within five, 44-49, but San Beda regained its ground and fired a 12-4 rally to start the fourth and widened the gap to 61-48 in the final three minutes.
Even the return of CJ Perez couldn’t save the Pirates. His 19-point production only went to waste as the Pirates faced a spirited Red Lions side.
Fernandez said Perez’s return from suspension in Game One only inspired his players to finish the best-of-three series in two games.
“It [Perez’s return] became our motivation because many are saying that we can’t win with CJ playing with them. It wasn’t our fault that he got suspended. It’s just that our players really played well. You have to credit my players,” he said.
Clint Doliguez finished with 14 points on three triples, while Donald Tankoua tallied a double-double of 13 points and 16 rebounds.
Mike Nzesseu led the Pirates with 11 points laced with 13 rebounds.
Image credits: Nonoy Lacza