MANILA (UPDATED) — San Beda University has finally found its way back to the top of NCAA men’s basketball.

The Red Lions emerged victorious over Mapua University, 76-66, in the league’s Season 99 men’s basketball Finals Game 3 on Sunday in front of 23,077 spectators at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

This is the first time that San Beda has clinched the NCAA hoops title since their three-peat reign from 2016-2018.

Yuki Andrada top-scored for the Red Lions, putting up 20 points,18 coming from the second half, six rebounds, and two steals, while James Payosing and Nygel Gonzales finished with 11 and 10, respectively.

Team star Jacob Cortez only saw limited minutes due to cramps but still managed to deliver eight points, eight assists, and three boards.

“I’m very happy for my players. These are the guys who stayed and said to themselves na this is us, we’re going to work hard for this,” said second-year San Beda head coach Yuri Escueta.

“Pinagtrabuhan namin ‘to start January pa last year. Lahat pinagdaanan namin,” he added.

Down by four early in the final frame, Andrada opened the quarter with a three-pointer for San Beda to get them to as close as one, 57-56, at the 9:29 mark.

Plays after, tied at 61, the Lions roared and found their footing, hacking out a 12-2 run over Mapua in a span of six minutes, with only Paolo Hernandez making a basket for the Cardinals over that stretch.

Marc Cuenco hit a triple with still 1:50 left in the game, but that was the last stand of the Cardinals as they suffered another fourth-quarter meltdown just like in Game 2.

JC Recto led the Intramuros-based squad’s offensive with 18 points, 14 rebounds, and three assists, Season 99 MVP Clint Escamis ended with 13 points, five rebounds, and five assists, while Ryle Rosillo was the last Mapuan who finished in double digits with 10.

With San Beda’s championship, the Red Lions were able to avoid mirroring their fate in 1991 wherein the Cardinals defeated them in the Season 67 Finals series in three games.

This is the Red Lions’ 23rd men’s basketball title in its history in the league.

The scores:

San Beda 76- Andrada 20, Payosing 11, Gonzales 10, Cortez 8, Royo 6, Jopia 6, Tagle 4, Alfaro 4, Puno 3, Visser 2, Cuntapay 2

Mapua 66- Recto 18, Escamis 13, Rosillo 10, Hernandez 6, Cuenco 5, Dalisay 5, Bonifacio 4, Soriano 3, Fornis 2, Bancale 0, Sabsalon 0

Quarterscores: 24-15; 36-35; 53-57; 76-66