San Beda wins NBTC title in third straight Finals appearance

San Beda has avenged its back-to-back blunders in the finals of the National Basketball Training Center and fended off Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu, 79-61, to win the crown Thursday at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Red Cubs failed in the 2015 and 2016 bids but the NCAA juggernauts, who have won 22 championships in their mother league, were able to exorcise the demons with a masterful showing.

“Of course we’re happy because this has been our goal and we’ve finally achieved it,” said San Beda head coach JB Sison.

San Beda established its lead late in the game when it outscored SHS-Ateneo 31-19 in the third quarter for a 59-47 buffer.

That lead became too much to bear for the Magis Eagles as the Red Lions eventually cruised to the victory.

Evan Nelle scored a game-high 18 points to lead the Red Cubs while Peter Alfaro played the supporter putting up 15 points.

Travis Manuta led the Magis Eagles with 14 points but was held scoreless in the fourth quarter.