NCAA Finals: San Beda draws first blood against Letran

The San Beda Red Lions are one win away from returning atop the NCAA mountain after dismantling rivals Letran Knights in Game 1 of the Season 101 Finals at the Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, Dec. 10.

Senior Bryan Sajonia recorded 17 points, six rebounds, and three assists to lead the way for the Red Lions, while Janti Miller contributed 16 points before being thrown out for a second technical foul.

Despite the win, San Beda will enter the championship clincher undermanned, as Miller has been suspended.

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“I’d like to apologize for that. Ang daming pumuntang Letranista — akin yun. We will just move forward,” said Letran coach Allen Ricardo on his unusual starting unit in Game 1 of the #NCAASeason101 Finals against San Beda. | via @romwelanzures

READ: https://t.co/wWpBsGy0zB pic.twitter.com/PF9HfKocDs

— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) December 10, 2025

Red Lions’ head coach Yuri Escueta was impressed with how his team defended in the first half but lamented how it fell off in the second half, where the Knights had positive stretches on the offensive end.

“I was happy with how we played defense at the start of the game and especially at the start of the third,” Escueta said. “We do, however, have to do better in taking care of the ball because we’re giving them opportunities to score and it’s hard to play good defense if we’re careless with the ball.”

Meanwhile, for Letran, Titing Manalili led the team with 17 points before being fouled out. Jimboy Estrada and Jun Roque tallied 14 and 12 markers, respectively.

Deo Cuajo struggled mightily on the field, finishing with only 2 points on 1-10 shooting.

San Beda will have a chance at claiming its 24th NCAA title in Game 2 at the same venue on Saturday.

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