Stags, Cards dispute Final 4 seat

Defending champion San Sebastian and Letran shoot for an outright Final Four berth and the solo lead as the two clash today in the 79th NCAA basketball tournament at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. League lead-ers with identical 8-4 win-loss records, the Stags and the Knights face off at 2 p.m. for the first semifinals seat, an inside track to the top two positions and the chance to gain a twice-to-beat advantage in what could be a preview to this year’s finals.

The three-peat seeking champions are also out to exact revenge following their 64-73 loss to the Knights in their first meeting last July 14.

"Alam naman nating tinalo kami niyan (Letran) kaya ang motivation namin hindi lang Final Four, solo lead at twice-to-beat, pati na rin ang makabawi sa kanila," said San Sebastian coach Arturo Valenzona.

After a so-so run in the first eight games where the Stags struggled to a disapointing 4-4 win-loss start, San Sebastian made a tremendous surge in form to become the hottest squad in the league mainly behind the efforts of the 6-foot-7 Fil-Am Clark Moore.

Letran is also riding the crest of a 94-90 come-from-behind overtime triumph over Philippine Christian University last Wednesday courtesy of Ronjay Enrile’s season-high 36-points effort.

The former high school MVP, who also has nine rebounds and the same number of assists, is expected to spearhead the Knights anew in their bid to regain the title they last won four seasons back.

"Siyempre si Ronjay ulit ang main option namin dahil mainit talaga siya ngayon," said Letran mentor Louie Alas.

Jose Rizal and San Beda, on the other hand, also try to enhance their semis hopes as the two collide in an equally-important match at 4 p.m.

The Bombers are currently tied with the Mapua Cardinals at third spot with 7-5 slates while the Red Lions, reeling from four-game skid, are teetering on the brink of elimination at No. 5 with a 6-6 card.