King Caralipio claims Finals MVP as Letran completes NCAA three-peat

King Caralipio at the free throw line during Game 3 of the NCAA Season 98 men’s basketball Finals against College of St. Benilde. Caralipio was named Finals MVP. NCAA PHOTO

ANTIPOLO—King Caralipio capped a fitting end to his collegiate career on Sunday.

Caralipio was named Finals MVP after leading Letran to its third NCAA championship in a row.

“I can’t really express it into words. I’m just blessed and we also got the championship,” said Caralipio in Filipino.

The graduating forward notched 20 points and 10 rebounds as the Knights crushed the College of St. Benilde Blazers, 81-67, in the deciding Game 3 at Ynares Center.

The 25-year-old Caralipio, who’s also part of the Mythical Five this season, averaged 15 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists in the finals.

He also led Letran in points, rebounds, field goal percentage and three-point percentage in the elimination round where the Knights finished in second place with a 13-5 record.

Caralipio expressed his interest in joining next year’s PBA Draft.

“Of course I have plans. It has always been my dream,” he said.