Miller Shines as San Beda Defeats Letran to Stay Unbeaten
San Beda University stayed spotless in NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball after overpowering archrival Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 68-58, on Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Fil-Am rookie Janti Miller shone brightest in his first taste of the storied Red Lions–Knights rivalry, delivering clutch plays on both ends of the court to help San Beda improve to 2-0 in Group B.
Miller turned in a stellar all-around performance with 22 points, five rebounds, two assists, and a block, showcasing both scoring efficiency and defensive grit.
After a tight battle early in the third frame with San Beda holding a slim 45-44 lead, Miller took control, scoring eight straight points to end the quarter and give the Red Lions a crucial 53-44 cushion.
Letran’s Peter Rosillo tried to ignite a comeback with an early triple in the fourth, but Miller responded with timely baskets, including a two-handed slam and a rejection on Mark Denver Omega that broke the Knights’ momentum for good.
The Red Lions also flexed their depth and defense. Bryan Sajonia added 11 points, while Zed Etulle anchored the paint with 12 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. San Beda dominated the boards, 51-36, numbers that reflected the team’s relentless effort.
Despite the absence of veterans Yuki Andrada and RC Calimag due to injury, San Beda showed poise and balance under pressure.
On the other end, Jonathan “Titing” Manalili paced Letran with 13 points, six assists, and two steals, while Deo Cuajao added 10 in his return from illness. However, the Knights fell to 0-2 in Group B, still searching for their first win of the season.
San Beda now shifts its focus to Jose Rizal University in their next outing on Friday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, while Letran aims to bounce back against College of Saint Benilde on Wednesday.
The Scores:
San Beda 68 – Miller 22, Sajonia 11, Lina 6, Reyes 6, Gonzales 5, Celzo 5, Etulle 4, Estacio 3, Puno 2, Bonzalida 2, Culdora 2, Songcuya 0, Jalbuena 0
Letran 58 – Manalili 13, Cuajao 10, Rosilio 7, Buensalida 6, Estrada 5, Omega 5, Santos 4, Roque 4, Tapenio 3, Gazzingan 1, Gammad 0
Quarter Scores: 22-18, 37-34, 53-45, 68-58
