The Letran Knights won their third NCAA championship in a row as they defeated the College of St. Benilde Blazers, 81-67, in the deciding Game 3 of the NCAA Season 98 finals on Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Veteran forward King Caralipio spearheaded Letran’s crucial 19-2 breakaway in the second period that helped turn the tide decidedly in the Knights’ favor. Up by just six, 32-26, Letran suddenly found itself ahead by 23, 51-28, late in the first half.
It was a lead that the Knights would not surrender until the final buzzer as they completed a rare “three-peat” for the school, a feat not done in 40 years. The title is Letran’s 20th in the NCAA.
The Blazers tried to crawl back and pulled to within 11, 77-66, with a little over three minutes remaining in the game. However, the league’s Most Valuable Player Will Gozum was ejected from the match after hitting Letran’s Brent Paraiso at the back of his head with 1:44 remaining.
Caralipio helped crown the Knights with his double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds. He was named the Finals MVP.
Paraiso added 16 points on 2-of-5 shooting from long range, and chipped in three rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and a steal. Kobe Monje tallied 11 points, four rebounds, and three dimes.