source: abs-cbnnews.com

San Beda drew strength from the clutch performance of Arthur de la Cruz and Baser Amer as it ripped Letran, 86-75, Thursday to clinch its 17th juniors title overall in the 85th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

Dela Cruz, son of former PBA star Art, sizzled with 23 points, 8 in the fourth quarter, including a pair of booming triples in the stretch, while Amer spewed 21 points he spiked with 6 rebounds, 6 assists and a steal to clinch the Cubs’ first crown since they reigned supreme four years ago.

The Mendiola-based school, which seized the opener, 98-75, last week before dropping Game Two, 80-83, Saturday, thus went home with their 17th championship, next only to the Mapua Red Robins’ league-best 18 titles.

The title conquest was also a warm tribute to its multi-titled mentor Ato Badolato, who is retiring this year after steering the Cubs to 16 crowns since he took over the helm 37 seasons ago.

“It’s a sad and happy feeling,” said a teary-eyed Badolato, hugged by legions of San Beda supporters headed by league president and school rector Fr. Mat de Jesus, OSB.

“Sad because I’m going to give up coaching and this good team, and happy that we won,” he added.

Some of Badolato’s former players who came to watch the game and pay tribute to the man who helped mould their careers included RP team under-16 coach Eric Altamirano, Smart Gilas Pilipinas standout JV Casio, Jenkins Mesina, Ford Arao, Yuri Escueta, Xavier Nunag, Mike Bravo, Arvie Braganza, and Mike Baldos, among others.

Scoring demon Jarelan Tampus had another shooting expedition as he torched the Cubs with 36 points, including 10 and 11 in the third and fourth quarters.

But it wasn’t enough though to help Letran turn the tables around in its favor as the Squires kept its record of 10 crowns.

It also didn’t help that Glenn Khobuntin, the team’s leading rebounder and second leading scorer, sprained an ankle after he landed on a teammate’s foot midway in the third quarter.

Instead of being demoralized, the Squires answered the call and unloaded a blistering run anchored on the heavy scoring Tampus, who capped it with back-to-back baskets to pull them to within 70-72 with a little less than five and a half minutes to go.

But dela Cruz, playing in his last season, buried two triples to cap the telling blow.

And then it was all pandemonium as the Cubs joined their fans, supporters and alumni on center court to celebrate the victory.


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