Filoil Jrs: Four-Peat For Red Cubs

San Beda overcame a meltdown to pip National University, 64-60, on Wednesday to snatch its fourth consecutive juniors championship in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup at the San Juan Arena.

After leading by as many as 18 points late in the third period, NU launched a scorching comeback behind Frank Dyke and Hubert Cani. At the 2:50 mark of the same period and with San Beda up, 45-31, Dyke led the comeback by stringing up 10 points in a 19-3 run to give the Bullpups the lead for the first time in the game, 50-48.

With the Red Cubs in disarray, the Bullpups took a 55-49 lead after Cani hit a step-back three over Franz Abuda. But Cani missed three shots, one free throw and committed two errors in the final four minutes, while Javee Mocon heated up for 10 points of his own in a fiery Red Cubs 15-5 windup.

The title was San Beda’s fourth consecutive in the tournament—after University of the East won the inaugural juniors championship—and the first for new Red Cubs Coach JB Sison.

Ranbill Tongco topscored for San Beda with 15 points, while Mocon added 14 points and 10 rebounds. NU forward-center Mark Dyke scored 17 points and pulled down 19 huge rebounds, outplaying the celebrated Arvin Tolentino in the post.

Mocon retained his Most Valuable Player trophy. Joining Mocon in the Gatorade Mythical Five were San Sebastian’s Ranzel Yong and Michael Calisaan, NU’s Dyke, and Letran’s Gerdy Alacre. Yong was also the Gatorade Best Defensive Player.