Clash of 'NC' titans today

MANILA, Philippines - San Beda and San Sebastian stake their eight-game win runs in a much awaited clash of the NCAA titans today in what could also be a sneak preview of the league’s men’s basketball championship at The Arena in San Juan City.

Expect fireworks to erupt right in the tip-off with both teams raring to unleash their firepower early and defensive stand and gain the needed momentum in the 4 p.m. match.

San Beda coach Frankie Lim said making stops and bench depth will be the key for victory while San Sebastian mentor Topex Robinson believes beating the reigning champions would be any team’s defining moment this season.

“We’re both good teams so we have to stop people and we just have to want it more,” said Lim.

“San Beda is the barometer of all the teams in the NCAA. If you want to win a championship you need to win against them,” Robinson said.

SSC actually boasts of the strongest starting five in the league with Calvin Abueva, Ronald Pascual and Ian Sangalang leading the way in the MVP derby at No. 1, joint second and fourth, respectively.

The Stags’ Big Three have carried the 2009 champions to eight straight wins to match the Lions’ strong start.

“They’re our main sources of strength and the other guys feed on their effort,” said Robinson.

San Beda has one player in contention for the MVP plum although Garvo Lanete remains a darkhorse since the Lions work more as a team despite the absence of injured American Sudan Daniel, (anterior cruciate ligament).

“Nothing glaring when it comes to our bench advantage but the bench will play a crucial role especially for us,” Lim said.

San Beda is also looking to stretch its run to 27, including 18 last year when it pulled off a historic title sweep.

“It’s far from what we’re thinking right now, what we want is to win the championship regardless of our win-loss record,” said Lim.

Letran, meanwhile, tries to firm up its hold of the No. 3 spot at 6-2 (win-loss) as it takes on a struggling Jose Rizal side, which has a 3-5 slate.

“Our goal is to keep our place at No. 3 and perhaps a chance to become No. 2,” said Letran mentor Louie Alas. “But we will take it a win at a time because we can’t afford to play complacent.”