San Beda Seeks Revenge Versus Stags

Though San Beda and San Sebastian have already booked their seats in the Final Four, expect another fast and entertaining action when the two bitter rivals clash today in the 88th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.

The Red Lions are seeking revenge in their 6 p.m. showdown while the Stags have more important reason why they need to beat the three-peat seeking San Beda.

If the Stags prevail, they will secure the second twice-to-beat advantage in the next phase as the No. 2 team in the elims. If they lose, they will face the charging Letran squad for a playoff for that privilege (now, Letran needs their rival's help to get a playoff shot at No. 2 seeding and the crucial twice-to-beat advantage in the 2012 NCAA Final Four).

The Stags are toting a 12-5 record, just half-a-game ahead of the Knights, who dumped the Arellano Chiefs, 76-58, on Saturday for their sixth straight win.

With a league-best 15-2 mark, San Beda has already bagged the first twice-to-beat bonus but coach Ronnie Magsanoc still wants to end their elimination campaign with a bang.

For Magsanoc, it’s important for them to go into the next round with a winning attitude, especially against a team as tough as the Stags.

And that’s also the reason why SSC interim coach Allan Trinidad is asking for the same amount of intensity from his “Big Three” when they clash with the Red Lions for the second time this season.

PBA-bound Calvin Abueva, Ian Sangalang and Ronald Pascual were simply devastating in their 80-62 win over the University of Perpetual Help Altas four days ago that snapped their two-game skid.

They combined for 53 points and 38 rebounds.

Trinidad, however, knows it will take more than a strong showing from his main men to beat the Red Lions who are still unbeaten in the second round.

"Mag-a-adjust kami sa big man, and sana maituloy din ng mga players ko yung same intensity na ipinakita nila against Perpetual. Sa depensa siguro kami kailangang mas mag-focus," said Trinidad.

Ola Adeogun, who averages 8.3 boards and 1.2 blocks in his 13 games, poses a big threat for San Sebastian, but Trinidad knows Sangalang and Abueva can measure against San Beda’s center.

source:  MB Sports