The San Beda Red Lions secured their return to the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball finals after a narrow 84–81 victory over the Benilde Blazers in the decisive Game 3 of the semifinals, setting up a high-stakes championship duel with long-time rivals, the Letran Knights. The win, delivered on 7 December at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, capped a tense three-game series marked by momentum swings and late-game resilience.
San Beda Advances After a Hard-Fought Semifinal Series
San Beda’s path to the finals required composure under pressure. After Benilde forced a Game 3 with a two-point win in Game 2, the Red Lions responded behind standout performances from Yukien Andrada and Janti Miller. Andrada scored 27 points, including seven three-point shots, while Miller, returning from injury, added 26 points, six rebounds, and two steals.
The decisive win ended Benilde’s hopes of an upset and solidified San Beda’s standing as one of the tournament’s most consistent programs.
Season Format and the Road to the Championship
This season introduced a new group-stage format. San Beda was placed in Group B, often referred to as the tournament’s “group of death.” Despite the challenging field, the team finished at the top of its group, earning a direct berth to the quarterfinals.
On 27 November, San Beda defeated Lyceum, 91–67, behind balanced scoring and disciplined defense. The semifinal series that followed tested the team’s depth and adaptability, yet they prevailed to reach their 16th finals appearance over the past 19 seasons.
Letran’s road to the finals was more straightforward. The Knights swept the Perpetual Altas in their semifinal match-up on 5 December, continuing a resurgence built on discipline and tactical cohesion under coach Allen Ricardo.
A Rivalry Etched Into NCAA History
The championship series will extend one of the oldest and most intense rivalries in Philippine collegiate basketball. San Beda and Letran first met in the finals in 1950, and decades of high-stakes matchups have since shaped the identity of both programs.
San Beda enters the series with a chance to secure its 13th NCAA championship, reinforcing a legacy defined by stability and excellence. The Red Lions have reached the semifinals every year since 2005, a testament to consistent recruiting, player development, and coaching continuity.
For Letran, the finals offer an opportunity to narrow the championship gap and reclaim historical footing. The Knights’ return after a period of rebuilding signals renewed ambition and an emerging core led by standout guard Titing Manalili.
Key Figures and Tactical Dynamics
San Beda’s head coach Yuri Escueta characterized the upcoming duel as a “dogfight,” noting Letran’s physical play and the threat posed by Manalili. The tactical contrast between both teams, shaped by experience on San Beda’s side and momentum on Letran’s, is expected to define the series.
The emergence of younger players, particularly Andrada and Miller for San Beda, and Manalili for Letran, introduces a generational dimension to a rivalry largely carried by historic weight. Their performances will likely influence not only game outcomes but the future direction of both basketball programs.
What Lies Ahead in the Best-of-Three Finals
The finals series is scheduled to begin on 10 December 2025 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Early storylines to watch include San Beda’s ability to manage championship pressure, Letran’s attempt to extend its semifinal momentum into the finals, and how both coaching staffs adapt to the demands of a shortened, high-intensity series.
The stakes extend beyond this season. The outcome may influence future recruiting battles, alumni engagement, and the broader narrative of which institution defines modern-era NCAA basketball excellence.
Recent Timeline of Key Events
- 27 November 2025: San Beda defeats Lyceum, 91–67, to advance to the Final Four.
- 5 December 2025: Letran sweeps Perpetual to earn the first finals berth.
- 5 December 2025: Benilde forces a Game 3 with a 77–75 win over San Beda.
- 7 December 2025: San Beda defeats Benilde, 84–81, in the deciding semifinal game.
- 10 December 2025: NCAA Season 101 Finals begin between San Beda and Letran.
Looking Ahead: Pressure, Momentum, and Legacy
San Beda enters the finals with a target on its back, carrying nearly two decades of uninterrupted Final Four appearances. Letran, buoyed by its semifinal sweep, aims to disrupt that continuity and carve a larger place in NCAA history.
The series promises a blend of tradition and transformation. With rising stars on both sides and established systems guiding them, the championship is poised to reflect not only who is stronger today but which program will lead the league into the future.
