Lions, Warriors seek title clash

San Beda and University of the East try to arrange a showdown for the Collegiate Champions League crown as they take on separate rivals today in the Final Four at the Rizal Coliseum.

The Red Lions, seeking to add the Champions League title to the NCAA crown they won recently, battle the unseeded Jose Rizal Bombers at 3 p.m. following the meeting between the Warriors and the Mapua Cardinals at 1 p.m.

The pair of Final Four matches will be aired live on NBN-4 and on a delayed basis on Basketball TV.

With Nigerian Sam Ekwe dominating, the Lions rammed the University of Visayas Green Lancers in the quarterfinals, leading by as many as 27 points before coasting to an 84-68 victory.

The 6-foot-8 Ekwe, who didn’t play against the unseeded National University Bulldogs in the Sweet 16, hauled down 23 rebounds and had four shot blocks against the Green Lancers.

Ekwe also got himself involved in offense, scoring 12 points, including seven in a 14-0 run at the start of the third period that set the tone for the rout.

"My players are confident that we can win the title here especially with Sam Ekwe back," said San Beda coach Koy Banal. "But we still need to get more from other players like Yousef (Aljamal) and John Paul (Escobal)."

But the Heavy Bombers are no strangers in humbling even the champion teams.

They ousted UAAP champions University of Santo Tomas Tigers and last year’s NCAA winners Letran Knights.

"There’s no pressure on our part," said JRU coach Ariel Vanguardia. "All we have to do is play hard and show our true character."

Meanwhile, UE coach Dindo Pumaren reminded his players not to underestimate the Cardinals.

"We’re facing a hungry team," he said. "We have to double our effort if we want to stay alive."

The Cardinals shot down the top seeded Ateneo Blue Eagles in the quarterfinals despite playing without ace guard Kelvin Dela Peña. He will be back to anchor their offense in the Final Four.

The Fil-Canadian is expected to have a tough time on both ends of the floor with pesky defenders and explosive shooters Marcy Arellano and James Martinez taking turns on him.

"It’s a big honor to play in the league of champions. We definitely want to make the most of our stint here," said Mapua coach Horacio Lim.