San Beda vs. San Sebastian II: Dominance or Vengeance?

It's that time of the year again when the Red Lions of San Beda College and the Golden Stags of San Sebastian College tangle in the last day of the elimination round of the NCAA. It has been that way since 2010, after both teams figured in the finals of 2009.

The Red Lions have been the most dominant team in the last six years, losing only to the Stags in 2009. After ending a 28-year dry spell in 2006, San Beda completed a three-peat in 2008. The Lions beat PCU in 2006, Letran in 2007, and JRU in 2008 for the NCAA diadem.

But in 2009, a new look San Sebastian squad immediately rained on the Lions' parade. The Stags featured the deadly trio of Calvin Abueva, Ronald Pascual and Ian Sanggalang. It was also the last playing year of sharp shooter Jimbo Aquino. On the Lions' side, rookie Sudan Daniel tried to duplicate what Sam Ekwe produced for San Beda. But he would not achieve it that year as the Stags swept the Lions in the finals of 2009.

Since then, SBC and SSC have always met in the finals, with the former winning the last two seasons. But this 88th edition of the NCAA is looking like a year when Abueva and Pascual play out their final stint for the Stags with a championship ring.

Today's meeting between the two squads carries more weight on the part of the Stags. The Lions are safely in No. 1 even if they lose to SSC. They await the winner of the Jose Rizal-Perpetual Help tussle, which they will meet in the semis. San Beda, being the top team, enjoys a twice-to-beat advantage. read full story here