Animo San Beda!

Finally, the Bedistas won't have to just yell teases and insults like their infamous "pangit kayo, pogi kame" line to every opponent and spectators after losing a game. Because they've already bagged the trophy. Yipee! But I sure will miss them shouting, "iskwater!!". he he Boys will be boys.

I was only able to watch their games live twice (first was the opening, June 24 at Araneta Coliseum and 2nd was during 1st round elimination vs. College of Saint Benilde, July 3). But I never missed a single game (thanks to my video cam). I had a friend recorded all the games of the Red Lions and I watched each game every after my shift. I've learned to love the team since 2000 when Arjun Cordero was still playing for San Beda. I just loved their line up, although they were not able to make it to any championships. I especially admire Bombeo and Hudencial (sorry if I mispelled). And last year, was when I started noticing Yousif Aljamal as a potential MVP. Why, he is so damn handsome! oops. uhm I mean he was a three-point shooter, so I thought he has the potential. Now, although he only won one award since Sam Ekwe swept all the 4 awards, he has proven his worth as a player and bagged the finals MVP award.

When NCAA season 82 started, I was kinda shaky that they might not make it to finals again. But, luckily they fought their way to the championship with just one loss. With the championship that's 2 losses (both defeated by PCU). Coach Koy Banal made a really great work with the team. They just deserve the win. Oh my gosh! After shock is still on the feel til now. I just felt that it's just meant to be. Imagine they already left the Dolphins behind by 20 points but the Dolphins bounced back trimming the lead down to 5 then 3 then 1! Whatta breathtaking game that was! Plus the fact that most of the Red Lions are rookies compared to the vets of PCU who already had tasted how it's like to play in the finals (they were 2004 champions). The Red Lions were only able to make 1 field goal and 1 free throw (by Ekwe) during the last 5 minutes of the 4th quarter while the Dolphins were consistently making points and steals. Damn, that was tough! I was like about to cry. But, luck happened to be on the Lions' side. While Castro relentlessly made points and steals and rebounds for the Dolphins, some erratic players just screwed up and missed their chance of winning. It was really a good game by Dolphins. But, the trophy was really for the Lions. Sorry. The Red Lions won by 1 point, 68-67. It really doesn't matter how many points, anymore. They're the 2006 NCAA champion. True to their battlecry, "END 28 at 82", they made all the Bedistas proud. Congratulations!

Finals scores:

SBC (68)—Aljamal 23, Escobal 15, Angeles 8, Ekwe 7, Menor 5, Evangelista 4, Maggay 2, Hermida 2, Gamalinda 2, Tecson 0, Taganas 0.

PCU (67)—Castro 25, David 10, Belga 9, Espinas 8, Navarro 7, Graham 4, Garrido 2, Amparado 2, Chien 0, McCoy 0, Santos 0, Vidal 0.

Quarterscores: 15-19; 36-30; 61-44; 68-67.

San Beda Red Lions Roster - NCAA Season 82

• Aljamal, Yousif Jr. - Forward (9) (Finals MVP)
  
• Angeles, Alexander - Point Guard (7)
  
• Antonio, Martin Lloyd - Forward (12)
  
• Canlas, Eduardo - Guard
• Ekwe, Samuel - Center (13) (Rookie of the year, Defensive player of the year, Mythical 5 first team and Most Valuable Player)
  
• Escobal, John Paul - Guard
• Espinosa, Kevin - Forward
  
• Evangelista, Micah - Guard
• Gamalinda, Riego - Forward (16)
  
• Hermida, John Carlos Jr. - Point Guard
• Maggay, Raymond - Forward / Center (4)
  
• Menor, Rogemar - Guard / Forward (15)
  
• Taganas, Jay-R - Center (14)
  
• Taupa, Kristoffer - Forward
• Tecson, Eduardo Jr. - Forward (8)
  

• Head Coach : Enrico "Koy" Banal (Coach of the year - 2006)