The San Beda Red Lions are a win away from their 24th NCAA men’s basketball title. 

This, after San Beda’s 89-70 demolition job against their arch-rivals Letran Knights in Game 1 of the NCAA Season 101 Finals on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum. 

Bryan Sajonia, prior to fouling out in the fourth quarter, scored on all cylinders, scattering 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists on 54.5% field goal shooting– all in only 19 minutes of action.

The Pavia, Iloilo pride registered an impressive 54.5% field goal clip laced with two booming triples in the first half that started the flame in what became a blowout victory.

Batangueño floor general Nygel Gonzales earned the best player nod after an all-around performance at the point. 

The Lipa City native had 14 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, and a steal, though possibly his most impactful contribution was being assigned to defend– and shut down– Letran star Jonathan Manalili.

Despite Manalili’s team-high 17 points, Gonzales held his ground and made it difficult for the Cebuano playmaker to find his usual passing rhythm by not giving an inch during one-on-one coverages. 

Manalili’s all-around haul was limited to only 2 rebounds, 4 steals, and 5 dimes, which is 4 short of his 9.4 season average.