San Beda’s NCAA reign continues after beating Letran in Game 3

The San Beda Red Lions bagged the NCAA crown for the fourth straight year, defeating the Letran Knights, 60-56, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013. Video by INQUIRER.net’s Ryan Leagogo

MANILA, Philppines – The dynasty that is San Beda, refused to be toppled down.

Riding on their unquestioned championship mettle, the Red Lions were the steadier team down the stretch as they edged their fierce rivals Letran Knights, 60-56, in the deciding game of their best-of-three finals duel to cap off the grueling five-month 89th Season of the NCAA Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Photo by Ryan Leagogo/INQUIRER.net

San Beda clinched its fourth consecutive title – seven of the last eight seasons – and a league-leading 18 championships and repeated over Letran, which the Lions also beat in three games in the finale last year.

“We didn’t give up despite losing Game 2,” said San Beda forward Art dela Cruz, who was named Finals MVP after his sterling 20-point, 16-rebound performance in the title-clincher.

“Credit goes to the boys they deserve this championship,” said San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez.

Ola Adeogun also shone with 17 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks, including a denial on Kevin Racal’s potential game-tying floater with under 30 seconds left.

The Red Lions got back on their feet after stumbling in Game 2, 74-79, last Thursday.

League MVP Raymond Almazan paced Letran with 14 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks but was saddled by foul trouble and had to sit an extended time on the bench late in the third quarter through the midway points of the final frame.