ALTHOUGH not as talented as previous San Beda teams, this batch of Red Cubs more than made up for their lack of stars with big fighting hearts.
The Red Cubs showed grit under pressure to outlast the Mapua Red Robins in overtime, 78-65, yesterday in their winner-take-all duel and clinch an unprecedented sixth straight NCAA juniors’ crown at Mall of Asia Arena.
The victory completed another double for San Beda, which also moved ahead of Mapua in the record books with 21 juniors titles. The Red Lions clinched their fifth straight title, completing a sweep of the Arellano Chiefs in their senior basketball showdown last week.
A solid defensive stand in the overtime period proved crucial for the Cubs, who held the Robins to just a single field goal in the extra five minutes.
“The players just delivered and they deserved the title,” said San Beda coach JB Sison, who now has two titles in as many seasons handling the Red Cubs.
The scores:
SAN BEDA 78—Caracut 30, Abatayo 14, Alas 12, Decapia 6, Bordeus 6, Framil 3, Diputado 3, Furaque 2, Abuhijle 2.
MAPUA 65—Lugo 18, Concepcion 13, Aguirre 12, Velvez 9, Victoria 5, Calderon 4, Bonifacio 3, Pascua 1, Enriquez 0, Salenga 0, Cabural 0.
Quarters: 19-10, 28-25, 45-32, 59-59 (reg), 78-65