Knights escape Red Lions in Game 1 of NCAA finals
Credit to Author: THE MANILA TIMES| Date: Tue, 12 Nov 2019 12:01:19 +0000
FRAN Yu emerged hero anew as Colegio de San Juan de Letran beat San Beda University, 65-64, in Game 1 of the best-of-three finals of Season 95 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) seniors basketball tournament on Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Most Improved Player Yu led the Knights’ pivotal run as they stun the erstwhile unbeaten Red Lions, moving a win away from their first title since 2015.
“We’re happy with the win. They were 18-0. It’s a tall order but we managed to beat them,” said Letran head coach Bonnie Tan.
Letran also won the finals opener against San Beda four years ago then went on to seize the trophy in the winner-take-all Game 3.
Graduating guard Bonbon Batiller led Letran with 12 points while senior gunner Jerrick Balanza chipped in 10 markers.
But it was veteran guard Yu who shone the brightest finishing with 10 points and displaying nerves of steel in the dying moments of the game.
“I just want to repay the opportunity that our coach and Letran gave me,” said the soft-spoken Yu.
All but two of the other nine players deployed by Tan delivered on the offensive end.
The Knights also limited the Lions to a measly 30 percent field goal, six three-pointers and 10 assists—a far cry from their average of 45 percent, 9.5 triples and 19.2 dimes during their 18-game elimination round sweep.
The Lions’ 26-day rest after sweeping the eliminations did not provide the defending champions any advantage.
In juniors play earlier on Tuesday, San Beda inched nearer to its 23rd crown after sinking Lyceum High School, 94-80. JEREMIAH M. SEVILLA