MANILA, Philippines - Last year’s runner-up San Beda seeks to seize the solo lead while Letran hopes to post its first streak of the year as the two rekindle their rivalry dating back to the post-war era in Season 86 of the NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City today.
The Lions, who are hoping to rely on a two-week rest, aim to overtake idle reigning titlist San Sebastian – also unscathed at 3-0 (win-loss) – as the former gun for a fourth straight victory against the Knights (1-2), in their 4 p.m. duel.
“We’re expecting a tough game,” said San Beda coach Frankie Lim, who is looking to regain the title SBC lost to San Sebastian last year.
Meanwhile, Arellano U and Perpetual aim to come out of their respective slump as the two collide in the other game at 2 p.m.
The Leo Isaac-coached Chiefs have lost three straight since walloping the Emilio Aguinaldo Generals, 82-72, a month ago while the Boris Aldeguer-mentored Altas have yet to crack their first win as they dropped their first four outings.
The Lions appear formidable but the rivalry, which harks back from the 1950s, should give the Knights, underdogs this season after losing Smart Gilas Pilipinas standouts RJ Jazul and Rey Guevarra to graduation, a little more motivation.
Both San Beda and Letran are also proud schools rich with basketball championships with the former currently tied with ex-member Ateneo, which joined the UAAP in the late 70s, at second in most titles won with 14 each, while the Muralla-based pontifical school has a league-best 16 crowns.
Of course, one can’t forget the animosity.
Just a few months ago, the Knights walked out in the third quarter of a pre-season game against the Lions in an incident seen as portents of things to come this season between the rivals.
There were also debris-pelting incidents and fighting in the crowd at least two in the last three years involving the two proud, Catholic schools.
Letran coach Louie Alas, however, is more wary on how to turn their obvious disadvantages against a taller, deeper San Beda side.
“Matchup problem, they’re huge and long plus very physical defensively,” said Alas, who steered the school to championships in 1998, 2003 and 2005.
“For us to compete, we have to minimize our turnovers, fight for rebounds and play tough defense,” he added.
The Lions are expected to draw strength from Borgie Hermida, who came through with 14 points - the bulk of which coming in the pivotal run in the fourth quarter-six rebounds and six assists in a 69-64 win over the Mapua Cardinals two weeks ago.
The Knights, for their part, leaned on a balance attack with Franz Dysam unleashing a 21-point effort in an 87-69 trouncing of the Altas last July 9.