History was made at the Central Recreation and Fitness Center in Quezon City on Saturday as Grupong Bedista-San Beda outlasted previously unbeaten Mapua University, 76-68, to become the first-ever champions of the Philippine Youth Basketball Championship (PYBC) Season 2 presented by Growee Under-18 division.
The Red Cubs capped a hard-fought campaign by dethroning a Mapua squad that had won all five of its previous games, including a 68-60 victory over San Beda in the eliminations. It marked the Red Robins’ first defeat of the tournament.
San Buenaventura delivers on both ends to seal the crown
Finals MVP and Growee Player of the Game Mark San Buenaventura was the difference-maker, contributing 16 points, 10 rebounds, three steals, and two assists in a complete two-way performance.
“Lahat po kami all heart sa preparations namin para sa championship na ‘to,” San Buenaventura said. “Naging disciplined lang po kami.”
San Beda got significant support from Dwayne Nonato, who finished with 18 points and five assists.
Renz Basilio and Cyrus Berdan added 11 and 10 points, respectively, rounding out a balanced scoring attack under Coach of the Tournament Britt Reroma.
Mapua’s Tobby Orbista fought until the end, leading all scorers with a game-high 21 points. Chris Parame and Jade Alanza chipped in 14 and 12 points, respectively, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Red Robins’ first loss of the tournament.
A landmark title backed by a growing youth basketball movement
The U18 championship was the headline result of a title-filled Saturday for the PYBC, which is backed by Growee, Ceelin Plus, HydroAid, Celeteque DermoScience, Myra, pH Care, Enervon, and Alaxan FR.
Elsewhere on the same day, Aces Solar D’Generals stunned San Beda in an overtime thriller to win the Under-16 crown, San Beda’s Under-14 squad claimed its own title over Scrillah Kings in overtime, and Converge Super Fiber x Coach T routed Travis Generals for the Under-12 championship.
For San Beda’s U18 squad, though, Saturday’s win stands as the signature achievement of the tournament’s inaugural run — a title that establishes the program as a genuine force in Philippine youth basketball moving forward.
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