San Beda Red Lions celebrate another title. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
San Beda swept Arellano University, 83-73, in the NCAA Season 92 men’s basketball Finals and regained the championship it lost last year on Tuesday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Arnaud Noah posted a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds while Davon Potts hit timely 3-pointers down the stretch for the redemptive Red Lions, who won their ninth crown in 11 years after yielding the title to Letran last season.
“Like what we said the entire season, this team is built to be selfless,” said San Beda head coach Jamike Jarin.
San Beda ended the game on an 11-0 run, holding Arellano scoreless in the final three minutes and seven seconds. The Chiefs last basket was a go-ahead layup by Kent Salado, 73-72.
Noah, who was named Finals MVP, pushed the Lions ahead for good with a three-point play, 75-73, with 2:20 left before setting up Potts for a triple from the left corner that made it, 78-73, with 1:48 remaining.
AC Soberano added 16 points built on four triples while Robert Bollick had 13. Potts scored all of his 10 points in the fourth quarter.
Jio Jalalon scored a game-high 19 points before fouling out with 35.6 seconds to go that led to a pair of game-sealing free throws by Javee Mocon.
The 23-year-old Jalalon, who picked up three quick fouls in the first seven minutes of the first quarter, also collected seven rebounds and 10 assists in what could be his final game in the NCAA.
The scores:
SAN BEDA 83 – Noah 18, Soberano 16, Bolick 13, Mocon 10, Potts 10, Sara 7, Presbitero 5, Adamos 2, Bonsubre 2, Alas 0, Tongco 0, Carlos 0, Optana 0.
ARELLANO 73– Jalalon 19, Enriquez 14, Nicholls 12, Cañete 8, Gumaru 6, Meca 5, Cadavis 4, Salado 4, Flores 1, Holts 0, Aguilar 0, Viloria 0.
Quarters: 18-25, 45-40, 63-60, 83-73