SAN BEDA University Red Lions reclaimed their lost glory yesterday, defeating the favorites Mapua University Cardinals 76-66, in the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball championship at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Red Lions capitalized on the Cardinals’ fourth-quarter collapse, outscoring them 23-9. The Mendiola team entered the final quarter on a 10-0 run, taking a 68-61 lead.
The Red Lions won their 23rd NCAA men’s basketball championship in front of over 23,000 spectators. San Beda has not won a championship since its three-peat from 2016 to 2018.
The Red Lions were led by Yukien Andrada, who finished with a game-high 20 points, six rebounds and two steals, scoring his 18 points in the second half.
Finals MVP James Payosing had a double-double of 11 points and 14 rebounds while Nygel Gonzales chipped in 10 points in the first half.
Meanwhile, San Beda’s go-to player, Jacob Cortez, finished with eight points and eight assists despite playing on limited time.
JC Recto, on the other hand, led the Cardinals in a losing effort with 18 points, 14 rebounds and three assists. Clint Escamis, Season 99’s MVP, contributed 13 points, five rebounds and five assists.
Will Jacob Cortez be back?
Jacob Cortez, the dependable 5-ft-10 guard, may need some time to consider his future options after a stellar season with the San Beda Red Lions.
The third-year guard starred throughout the NCAA season, averaging 15.4 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.2 steals. He was critical to the Mendiola-based team’s run to the NCAA Season 99 championship.
The son of icon Mike Cortez revealed that “other UAAP schools” have expressed interest in him— specifically, his father’s alma mater, the DLSU Green Archers.
“There’s interest from La Salle,” said the 5-ft-10 floor general, who also attended La Salle Greenhills in his early secondary school years.
He still has two years of eligibility left but if he transfers to the Green Archer camp, he will have to sit out one year. For the time being, the guard is celebrating their championship before making a decision.
