by Tito S. Talao
Games Today (Mall of Asia Arena)
2 p.m. – LSGH vs Mapua (Jrs)
4 p.m. – SBU vs Lyceum (Srs)
Two-time defending champion San Beda tries to close out the NCAA men’s basketball finals today but could encounter rough sailing with the return of Lyceum star player CJ Perez at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Red Lions eye their third straight crown at 4 p.m. with the Pirates looking to extend the best-of-three championship to a winner-take-all Game 3.
San Beda’s resolve to complete a hat-trick of sort will be tested with Perez back in the fold after serving a one game suspension for merely failing to inform the august NCAA board that he is turning pro at season’s end.
Perez’s return is expected to put order back to the Pirates, who appeared lost without him in a 73-60 defeat in Game 1 last week.
Lyceum coach Topex Robinson is leaving the ruckus behind though.
“We still have a game to play. There’s still a fight in us and we’re excited for Game 2,” he said.
Perez, who won last year’s MVP plum but was denied any individual award this season – honors he had worked for – in the aftermath of the harsh sanction meted on him, is expected to come out firing from all cylinders.
“We welcome CJ’s return because we want to play for the title against the best,” said San Beda’s graduating playmaker Robert Bolick.
Game 3, if necessary, will be on Nov. 15 at the same venue. (With report from Kristel Satumbaga)
