IN what could a preview of another title clash, defending three-time champion San Beda University and Lyceum of the Philippines University dispute the solo lead in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament on Tuesday at The Arena in San Juan City.
The two teams currently occupy the top two spots with the Red Lions sporting an immaculate 6-0 record while the Pirates have a 6-1 mark – thanks to a gutsy 74-71 win over erstwhile unbeaten College of St. Benilde on Friday.
San Beda and Lyceum clashed in a thrilling Finals series the previous two seasons, with SBU lifting the prestigious trophy of the oldest collegiate league in the country on both occasions.
Fans expect another top-notch action in their 4 p.m. encounter.
Two other senior matches are equally interesting with Letran determined to bounce back from a loss to bitter rival San Beda when it takes on San Sebastian College-Recoletos as 12 noon, while University of Perpetual Help System DALTA and Emilio Aguinaldo College meet at 2 p.m.
The Stags will play minus coach Egay Macaraya, who will serve his one-game suspension for his unsportsmanlike actions in a game against Lyceum last month, while the Altas will miss the services of veteran coach Frankie Lim, who is reportedly “on leave”.
San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez said they understand they are up for a tough battle against the Pirates.
“I have high respect on coach Topex Robinson and their players like the Marcelino twins (Jaycee and Jayvee). They also have Reymar Caduyac,” said Fernandez, whose team is fresh from a 102-56 win against the Altas last Friday.
“Those are the guys we’re going to prepare hard for our game. It will be a tough game for us again, but hopefully we can continue to bring that defensive mentality we’ve show in our game against Perpetual help and be consistent about that against Lyceum,” added Fernandez. (WAYLON GALVEZ)
