Lions clash with Falcons, Pirates battle Archers in Filoil Final 4

MANILA, Philippines — San Beda and Lyceum of the Philippines University try to arrange an all-NCAA finale while La Salle and Adamson seek to spoil their bids as they collide today in a pair of explosive semifinal matches in the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup 2019 at the Flying V Centre in San Juan City.

The Lions turned back the Far Eastern U Tams, 60-52, while the Pirates trounced the Centro Escolar U Scorpions, 75-68, to take a step closer to sealing a rematch of the teams that disputed the NCAA crown the last two years. San Beda won both matchups.

The Lions face the Falcons at 4 p.m. after the 2 p.m. clash between the Pirates and the Archers.

La Salle trampled Letran, 80-69, while Adamson routed San Sebastian, 81-61, to complete the Final Four cast.

San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez and Lyceum mentor Topex Robinson, however, aren’t looking beyond the semis, focusing on hurdling the Falcons and the Archers first before anything else.

“Our sole focus is Adamson, nothing else. We expect it to be a tough game,” said Fernandez.

“It would be a mistake to think that far ahead. La Salle is a truly strong team with good coaching and veteran players. It will definitely be a challenge playing them,” said Robinson.