SBC, Hope seek PSSBC finals

MANILA, Philippines - NCAA champion San Beda College and Hope Christian High School try to forge a title showdown when they take on separate rivals in the Final Four of the first Philippine Secondary Schools Basketball Championship (PSSBC) tomorrow at the Chiang Kai Shek College gym in Manila.

The Red Cubs collide with the San Sebastian College-Recoletos Staglets in the one-game face-off at 3:30 p.m. in a repeat of NCAA finals showdown last month that saw the Mendiola-based squad sweep the SSC squad in their best-of-three showdown.

San Beda’s latest title romp was its 20th overall in the country’s oldest league, making them the overwhelming favorites over the Staglets.

The Hope Christians, on the other hand, collide with the Letran Squires at 2 p.m. with the former out to spoil an all-NCAA showdown in the finals.

While Hope Christian enjoys height and heft advantage over the Squires, team manager Bernard Yang remains wary of the Intramuros-based squad, saying Letran has prolific scorers in Rey Nambatac and John Quinto.

“Letran is a tough team but the boys are ready,” said Yang, whose boys are out to redeem themselves after losing to rival Chiang Kai Shek College in the finals of the Metro Manila Tiong Lian Basketball Association (MMTLBA) finals early this year.

“That’s our extra motivation,” said Yang, who is expected to get another solid performance from Clint Doliquez, Arjan dela Cruz, John Apacible and Jollo Go.

Despite finishing only with a 1-3 record in their group elims, the Squires advanced to the Final Four of the tournament sponsored by Blackwater Sports, Ironcon Builders, MEC Networks, Jumbo Plastic Linoleum, Wrangler, Welcoat House Paints, Hapee Toothpaste and Dickies Underwear by upsetting Group A topnotcher Chiang Kai Shek College, 67-61.

Unlike the Staglets which romped to an 82-61 win over University of Santo Tomas, the Red Cubs went through the wringer before outlasting UAAP titlist Far Eastern University, 80-79.

The San Beda Red Cubs hope their tough win over the Baby Tamaraws will serve them in good stead as they renew their rivalry with the Staglets.

Expected to lead the Red Cubs are Adven Diputado, Arvin Tolentino, Joshua Caracut and JV Mocon while the Staglets will draw firepower from Pocholo Loor, Jon Macasaet, Onyok Velasco, Jr., Alfren Gayosa and Michael Calisaan.