(CNN Philippines, December 18) — The Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights are the kings of NCAA men’s basketball for the third consecutive time.
The Knights retained the title after defeating the College of St. Benilde Blazers, 81-67, in the sudden death Season 98 finals game Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Without their leader Fran Yu due to a disqualifying foul in the previous match, King Caralipio stepped up for Letran with 20 points and 10 rebounds.
Caralipio was named the finals’ Most Valuable Player.
A 28-7 blast in the first half by the Knights propelled the Intramuros-based squad to a 51-33 advantage heading into the break.
The Blazers unleashed a 9-3 run early in the third quarter to trim the deficit, but Letran responded with its own rally to hold off the comeback attempt and maintain a 16-point edge entering the fourth frame.
The Knights relied on their championship experience in the final canto to seal the victory.
Brent Paraiso chipped in 16 points and three rebounds, while Kobe Monje added 11 points, four rebounds, and three assists for Letran.
The Knights have not completed a three-peat since PBA legend Samboy Lim steered the team from 1982 to 1984.
This is Letran’s 20th men’s overall basketball title, behind San Beda University’s league-leading record of 22.
