Arellano University held off a late fightback from San Beda University, 75-71, to capture the NCAA Season 99 Kiddies Basketball title on Sunday on its home soil at the university's Pasay campus.
The Red Cubs suddenly caught fire from rainbow country late in the fourth with Madi Altamirano burying a triple to force a 68-all deadlock with 1:44 to go before two more long bombs knotted things up at 71-all.
The Braves, however, showed resistance and closed out the game despite two botched free throws in the final 2.9 seconds.
With San Beda taking home the silver, San Sebastian College-Recoletos emerged as the bronze medalist after defeating Lyceum of the Philippines University in the battle for third place.
Laurence Pillas of Arellano was named Most Valuable Player after steering the squad to the top while Anthony Urbano was hailed as the Coach of the Year.
—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News
