MANILA, Philippines — Four teams, one seeking to preserve championship tradition and the other three aiming to establish new order, see action in today’s NCAA Season 100 Final Four at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Defending champion San Beda comes in as the underdog against No. 2 and twice-to-beat St. Benilde at 2:30 p.m.
On their way to last year’s crown, the Lions had to win twice over LPU in the semis and bounce back from a Game 1 defeat in the best-of-three to snatch the title from Mapua.
And there’s a big chance it could be déjà vu for San Beda this season.
“Nothing is impossible,” said San Beda Yuri Escueta, who is eyeing to steer the proud school to a league-best 24th seniors crown.
Not if the Blazers could help it though as they hope to cast their long shadow against the Lions after sweeping their two previous games in the elims.
Top seed Mapua, also armed with a twice-to-beat advantage, will try to punch the first ticket to the finals starting Dec. 1 as it collides with dangerous No. 4 Lyceum at 11 a.m.