Let The Battle Begin: San Beda Vs. Letran

With 32 NCAA titles between them, San Beda College and Letran try to break their tie and earn the distinction as the league’s winningest team when they begin their best-of-three title series tomorrow at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The Red Lions are gunning for their third straight crown while the Knights are seeking to end a seven-year title drought. The last time both teams clashed in the finals, the Lions won five years ago.

“It’s an added bonus and motivation to both teams. We’re not only speaking here of the entire basketball tradition of both schools, but also the whole community of the universities as well kasi bragging rights yon,” said Fr. Vic Calvo of Letran, also the NCAA Season 88 chairman, during yesterday’s PSA Forum at Shakey’s-Malate.

“It’s an added sidelight in what is expected to be an emotional series. It’s going to be one for the books and this shouldn’t be missed,” added Jude Roque, team manager of San Beda.

Letran is still in cloud 9 after a pulsating 73-70 win over last year’s runnerup San Sebastian in a knockout match on Monday to book its third Finals meeting with San Beda in league history.

San Beda had already secured the first Finals seat on Saturday with a 56-52 triumph over University of Perpetual Help, owing to its twice-to-beat edge.

The Knights are also seeking to snap a 14-game losing streak to the Lions dating back in 2007. Since 2001, Letran also trails in its head-to-head with San Beda, 11-16.

Although favored in this matchup as far as statistics and records are concerned, San Beda’s Nigerian center Ola Adeogun said victory will not come easy.

“It’s not the same team we beat twice this season. Letran has been playing really well the past games, especially Kevin (Alas), Mark (Cruz) and Jam (Cortes). Even if we beat them twice, we need to impose our presence and not get too excited in the game,“ Adeogun said, referring to Letran’s eight-game winning streak dating back the elims.

Both squads, however, agreed the series will go the distance owing to their respective advantages. Roque said their main weapon is their defense, while Letran assistant coach Tino Pinat said their offense peaked at the right time.

“I think [the series] will go to distance. Despite our two losses to San Beda, we feel at least we could close that gap considering how well our players are playing,” Pinat said.

source: Tempo