Old Rivals Clash For Last PCCL Finals Berth

It will be the battle of champions as the Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles and the San Beda Red Lions take on each other for the last slot in the finals of the 2011 Philippine Collegiate Champions League.

Ateneo, the UAAP champions for the past four seasons, are coming off a heartbreaking 70-69 loss to the San Sebastian Golden Stags, who became the first team to clinch a finals berth.

Meanwhile, the Red Lions will have the momentum going into the game after defeating the University of Cebu Webmasters, 83-77, to remain in the hunt for the last Finals berth.

A win by the Red Lions will ensure that for the first time, the PCCL champions will come from the NCAA.

"Since I've been here in San Beda, we haven't beaten Ateneo, so for me that's pride," Red Lions guard Rome dela Rosa said after their win over the Webmasters.

But the Blue Eagles, the back-to-back defending PCCL champions, will not give up the crown easily, especially after their 1-point loss to San Sebastian.

Ateneo will once again rely on their big man Greg Slaughter, who is expected to test the defense of San Beda's Dave Marcelo and Kyle Pascual. Meanwhile, Nico Salva and Kiefer Ravena will share the scoring load with their center, while dela Rosa will once again take the lead for the Red Lions.

San Beda will continue to miss the services of team captain Garvo Lanete, who is out with a shoulder injury.

The PCCL Finals will begin on Monday, with the Golden Stags possessing a twice-to-beat advantage over their opponent.

source: ABS-CBN Sports