Lions launch bid to end ‘28 in 82’

San Beda waited for 28 years to get a crack at the NCAA men’s basketball crown. But whether the Red Lions are in for a successful campaign or on an extended title drought will be known starting today when they open their bid against the Philippine Christian U Dolphins in the 82nd NCAA finals at the Araneta Coliseum.

In a short, best-of-three title series, expect both teams to go flat out for the victory and the momentum with the Red Lions expected to lean anew on their slow, deliberate kind of game and the Dolphins sure as day to use their experience and vaunted run-and-gun game.

Gametime is at 4 p.m.

The Lions overcame the upset-conscious Mapua Cardinals, 55-51, while the Dolphins smothered the 2005 champions Letran Knights, 72-50, in the Final Four Wednesday to arrange the title showdown.

"Our slogan this year is to end 28 at 82, meaning end a 28-year title drought at Season 82," said San Beda coach Koy Banal, who was still in high school when the Red Lions won their last title 28 years ago.

"If we keep the faith, believe in ourselves and work harder, we’ll have a strong chance of achieving that goal," he added.

The Dolphins will surely use their experience, having made it to the finals the last three seasons, including in 2004 when they clinched their first ever crown.

Five members of that champion squad are still in the fold, including 2004 rookie MVP Gabby Espinas, Jason Castro, Ian Garrido, Beau Belga and Lisztian Amparado.

"We have players who have the championship experience and we hope to use that to our advantage," said PCU mentor Joel Dualan.

who was assistant to Ato Tolentino and Junel Baculi when his team made the finals in 2004 and 2005.

But San Beda boasts of talented players in Nigerian Samuel Ekwe, Yousif Aljamal, John Escobal, Rogermar Menor and Alex Angeles — all fired up to end the school’s title drought spanning nearly three decades.

The 6’8" Ekwe led the league in rebounds and blocks after the double round elims, averaging 15 boards and three shot blocks and could be on his way to becoming the league’s second rookie MVP.

Dualan, however, remains unfazed.

"If we run our offense very well and limit (Yousif) Aljamal, (John) Escobal, (Rogemar) Menor and (Alex) Angeles from scoring, we’ll have a better chance of beating them," said Dualan.

The Dolphins dealt the Lions their only loss in the season in 14 games, a 66-70 decision last June 28 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

San Beda, however, prevailed in their second round meeting, 73-64, on Aug. 23.

Statistically, the two teams are practically even.

The Lions led in points (69.2), rebounds (15.9) and assists (15.9) as against the Dolphins’ 67 points, 43.4 boards and 13.4 averages.

PCU, however, was tops in blocks despite the presence of Ekwe with a norm of 5.7 blocks as against San Beda’s 4.1 average.

The Dolphins also led in steals with an average of 7.8 while the Lions normed only 4.1.