San Beda coach recounts rocky journey to coveted NCAA title

MANILA, Philippines – Through all the losses and road bumps, the San Beda Red Lions were able to find their way to the promised land.

The Lions took home the championship against the Mapua Cardinals on Sunday — their first in five years and 23rd overall.

But the road to glory was not an easy one.

San Beda head coach Yuri Escueta underscored that the preparations to the title started back in January last year, and they went through hell and high water to get to the title.

"We went through a lot. We joined the D-League, we went to Malaysia, and we all lost there. We even went to Davao, and we couldn't even beat their teams there," Escueta told reporters in a mix of English and Filipino.

There were also some players who left the Lions' den, with Tony Ynot, Gab Cometa and Justine Sanchez transferring to rival NCAA squad College of Saint Benilde.

"We went through a lot, this team. In the second round, we were struggling. But, these guys, the players themselves said that they have to be resilient," Escueta said.

"They are used to adversity, even early on in the season. It's something, I think, that we were able to bring into this run of ours," he added.

The champions got to the Final Four as the third seed with a 12-6 win-loss slate after the eliminations. 

San Beda then defeated number two seed Lyceum Pirates to get to the finals, where they met Mapua, led by Rookie-MVP Clint Escamis. 

Escueta and the Lions went down 0-1 against the Cardinals, whom they were unable to beat in the elimination round.

They, however, completed the comeback as Yukien Andrada heated up in Game 3, and eventual Finals MVP James Payosing made key plays down the stretch.

The coach underscored that the team's depth is definitely a strength.

"Probably, that's our strength. You know that. I know you guys love Jacob Cortez, but this is basketball," Escueta said.

Cortez, son of former La Salle standout and PBA veteran Mike, keyed San Beda’s offense going throughout the season.

"That's how we built this, we built this around 15 players in the lineup. We built this around 18 guys in practices."