By MARK REY MONTEJO
History beckons as University of Perpetual Help System DALTA and reigning titlist Letran collide in the NCAA Season 99 Juniors Basketball Finals on Saturday, March 16, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Playing in the finals for the first time since joining the oldest collegiate league four decades ago, the Junior Altas are expected to give it their all in the best-of-three opener set at 9:30 a.m.
Though the Junior Altas are heavily favored to win their first-ever championship, they can’t take the Squires lightly.
For one, the Intramuros-based Letran side is bidding to win its 14th title after ending a 22-year drought last season.
The Las Piñas-based UPH topped the single-round elims with a splendid 8-1 record to earn a twice-to-beat advantage in the semis that saw them exact sweet revenge over the Mapua (Malayan) Red Robins, 96-91, in the semis.
The second-ranked Knights waylaid the San Sebastian Staglets, 91-77, to earn a return trip to the finals with last season’s MVP Andy Gemao.
Lebron James Daep, Mark Cruz and Amiel Acido are expected to spearhead Perpetual along with Jan Roluna, who produced a double-double of 22 points and rebounds in their last contest.
On the other hand, Letran will rely on Titing Manalili, George Diamante Jr. and Daniel Padilla for the needed firepower.
Gemao and the Squires clinched the championship last edition by sweeping the La Salle Greenhills, 2-0.
