Yukien Andrada didn't think twice about coming back for his final year with San Beda.
In fact, it was a no-brainer decision for the sharp-shooting forward.
He promised to end his collegiate career as a champion, and he delivered—going unconscious in the third quarter to lead an 83-71 win over rival Letran in Game 2 of the NCAA Season 101 finals on Saturday.
"Sobrang saya. That’s what I always wanted, leaving a legacy. That’s why I came back after that horrible Season 100," Andrada said.
"Kaya hindi ako nagdalawang-isip na bumalik kasi gusto kong mag-iwan sa San Beda ng magandang legacy. I wanted to give them a championship again before I leave."
After winning Season 99, Andrada and the Red Lions wanted nothing but back-to-back titles. But that didn't pan out after they fell prey to a twice-to-beat De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde in their Season 100 Final Four clash.
That's why returning for his swan song wasn’t just a choice for him: it was a mission.
And he certainly played like it in Game 2 in front of a roaring San Beda crowd at the Big Dome.
After shooting just 3-of-9 in the first half, Andrada caught fire in the penultimate period, hitting three triples and scoring 12 of his 21 points in that frame alone to help San Beda create the separation it needed against the gritty Knights.
Letran made several comeback attempts, but Andrada was there to extinguish every spark from their longtime rivals.
"Sobrang saya na it ended really well for us and for my career in San Beda and that’s what I have been hoping for ever since," said Andrada, a sixth pick of Magnolia in PBA Season 50 Rookie Draft.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
