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SAN BEDA
is two games away from fulfilling its dream of repeating
as king of the National Collegiate Athletic Association
(NCAA). But the Red Lions know the task is easier said
than done.
The
defending champions take on the Letran Knights to open a
best-of-three finals showdown at
4 p.m. today in
the 83rd season of the NCAA at the Araneta Coliseum.
The
juniors’ title match between
San Sebastian
and Letran opens hostilities at two o’clock.
The Red
Lions, who has lost just once in 13 games, were
virtually unchallenged this season, except on two
occasions by one school: Letran.
“Game
One is the most crucial, so we have to beat them,” said
first-year San Beda coach Frankie Lim. “Letran is a
tough opponent. They have an experienced coach [in Louie
Alas]. That’s why we have to exert more effort and play
real smart to win.”
In the
preseason, San Beda was predicted to run away with its
second straight title. The Lions ran off a perfect 5-0
record until the Knights beat them at the end of the
first round of eliminations.
San Beda
chased down Letran, and defeated the Knights later in
the second round to seal the top seed with an 11-1
record. Letran finished No. 2 with a 10-2 card.
“It
won’t be easy but we expect it to be,” said Alas of the
Knights. “We are ready for the tough grind especially
since we’re going against the defending champion.”
“We’ll
concentrate on defense. The offense is there but we
really have to make stops and get control of the
boards,” he added.
The
title series is as close to a glamour matchup as the
NCAA has seen in a while, pitting two schools that have
won the most basketball titles in league history.
The
irony though is this: The last time Letran and San Beda
figured in the championship was in 1950 when legendary
Larry Mumar and the Knights beat iconic Caloy Loyzaga
and the Lions for the title.
This
year, the matchup is between a faceless, starless Letran
team against the star-studded roster of San Beda.
To
banner the Lions are Sam Ekwe and Yousif Aljamal. To man
the wings are scorers Borgie Hermida and Ogie Menor. To
take care of the playmaking chores is Pong Escobal.
Ekwe is
the reigning Most Valuable Player but his credentials
are far less intimidating than his stature inside the
court. A defensive presence and an immovable force
inside the paint, Ekwe is averaging a league-best 16.2
rebounds and 3.2 blocks.
If Ekwe
is the defensive anchor, Aljamal is San Beda’s No. 1
scoring threat. Owning a variety of mid-range moves,
Aljamal leads the Lions with 16.9 points, and more
importantly, is determined to lead San Beda back to the
promised land in his final season.
“I have
to play and help the team,” Aljamal said. “I am ready
for Game One.”
Letran
will counter San Beda’s powerhouse cast with a lineup of
role players who have learned to play team ball.
Still,
spit-fire shooter RJ Jazul (16.1 points, 4.2 assists) is
the primary scoring option of the Knights. Out to
neutralize the Lions imposing frontcourt are the duo of
Brian Faundo (11.2 points, 8.1 rebounds) and Dino Daa
(10.5 points, 8.8 rebounds). |
