WITH almost its entire lineup returning next season, all signs point to San Beda extending its reign in Season 90 of the NCAA.
The Red Lions captured their fourth straight crown—and 18th overall—Saturday night following a pulsating 60-56 victory over the Letran Knights in their winner-take-all Game 3 showdown at Mall of Asia Arena.
And with only Rome dela Rosa graduating, the Lions remain formidable even as the rest of the league struggles to cope with the departure of some of their stars.
The Knights, for one, will no longer have Raymond Almazan, who is now in the pro ranks following a Most Valuable Player season.
The trio of Baser Amer, Art dela Cruz and Ola Adeogun will still be around to lead the Lions, who captured their seventh title in eight seasons in extending one of the most dominant runs in local collegiate basketball.
“We will miss Rome (Dela Rosa) and I thank him for what he’s done to the team, but the rest of the guys are coming back, so hopefully we will be back in this position again next season,” said San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez. “It will always be tough because teams are getting better.”
The Lions, however, proved they were a class above the rest this season, surviving a brave stand from the Knights in the Finals.
Notwithstanding the controversy involving one of their players in Ryusei Koga, who allegedly suited up for another league while the NCAA season was ongoing, the Lions kept their focus in the playoffs.
Dela Cruz, in particular, was a revelation in the Finals, averaging 17 points and 12 boards. He admitted feeling more pressured to deliver with his father, former PBA player Art dela Cruz, watching from the sidelines in Game 3.
“He’s my biggest supporter and worst critic,” said Dela Cruz, who knocked in a couple of clutch shots that gave the Lions the edge in the dying seconds.
Challenged by Fernandez to stay aggressive, Adeogun came up with the defensive play of the series when he blocked Kevin Racal’s potential game-tying layup with eight seconds remaining in the all-or-nothing clash.
“It was Game 3 and I had to give it all,” said Adeogun.
The Lions are veering away from their usual lavish celebration this time, opting to hold a fund-raising activity during their bonfire on Friday for the victims of Supertyphoon “Yolanda.”