FITTING SEND-OFF TO MENTOR: Red Cubs rip Squires for 17th crown

MANILA, Philippines - San Beda gave outgoing coach Ato Badolato a farewell gift as it claimed its 17th championship crown by subduing Letran, 86-75, in their sudden death duel to rule the NCAA juniors basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City yesterday.

Arthur dela Cruz fired eight of his 23 points in the fourth quarter, including a pair of triples, while Baser Amer came through with 21 points, six rebounds and six assists to power the Red Cubs to their 17th championship.

The Mendiola-based school, which took the opener of the best-of-three series, 98-75, last week but dropped Game Two, 80-83, last Saturday, thus moved within one title behind the Mapua Red Robins, who own the league-best of 18 championships.

The crown, San Beda’s first after it reigned supreme four years ago, was a fitting gift to Badolato, who had decided to leave a team he steered to 16 titles since he took over the coaching job 37 years ago.

“It’s a sad and happy feeling,” said a teary-eyed Badolato, who was mobbed by a horde of San Beda supporters, headed by league president and school rector Fr. Mat de Jesus, OSB.

“Sad because I’m going to give up coaching this good team and happy that we won, the players really won it for me,” he said.

After the Cubs wrapped it up, the players and officials hugged Badolato, who couldn’t fight back tears, with some supporters joining the celebration.

Badolato’s former players also showed up to pay tribute, including RP team under-16 coach Eric Altamirano, Smart Gilas Pilipinas standout JV Casio, Jenkins Mesina, Ford Arao, Yuri Escueta, Xavier Nunag, Mike Bravo, Arvie Braganza and Mike Baldos.

Jarelan Tampus sizzled with 36 points, including 21 in the second half but this proved not enough to lift Letran to their 11th championship as Glenn Khobuntin, the team’s leading rebounder and second leading scorer sustained an ankle injury midway in the third quarter.

Still, the Squires threatened to within, 70-72, on Tampus’ back-to-back baskets with five minutes left in the contest. But Dela Cruz, playing his last season, countered with two triples to anchor the Red Cubs’ strong finishing kick and triggering a frenzied celebration among San Beda players, fans, supporters and alumni at center court.

Badolato said he would recommend long-time assistant Brit Reroma to take over the coaching job.

“I’ll recommend him (Reroma) but there’s no school decision yet, it’s probably him,” he said.