San Beda University bounced back the hard way, pulling off a major upset against Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 88-72, for its breakthrough win in the NCAA Season 99 juniors basketball tournament on Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Second year guard Kirk Cañete dropped a game-high 24 points built on five three-pointers alongside eight rebounds, and five assists to lead the charge for the Red Cubs as they booked their first win against the Squires in five years.
The last time San Beda defeated Letran was in 2019, when the Red Cubs ruled Season 95.
Randaile Medroso was also unstoppable for San Beda, igniting for 19 points on 5-of-6 shooting from deep, highlighted by a triple early in the fourth quarter that sent the Red Cubs to a 79-56 cushion.
However, he defending champions would stage a comeback, unleashing a 13-0 rampage instigated by Syrex Silorio to slice the gap to 11, 71-82. Medroso, though, buried a huge three-pointer to release the dagger and complete the upset against their rival Squires.
Medroso also added seven rebounds and one assist while Hendric Vailocers chipped in 15 markers.
San Beda improved to 1-1 to rebound from an opening day loss to San Sebastian College-Recoletos while Letran dropped to a similar 1-1 card.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
