SAN BEDA wants to re-establish its dynasty while Arellano University eyes both revenge and glory as the Red Lions and Chiefs clash in Game One of the 92nd National Collegiate Athletic Association seniors basketball championship series on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Red Lions will be gunning for their ninth title in the last 11 seasons and a league-best 20th overall while the Chiefs will be seeking their place in the league’s roster of champions.
Game One is set at 3:30 p.m. Game Two will be on Tuesday, and if necessary, Game Three will be played on Thursday. The best-of-three series will all be played at the MOA Arena.
San Beda and Arellano University made the finals in contrasting fashions. The Red Lions had to stave off the stubborn Altas of University of Perpetual Help, 78-63, in their knockout Final Four second game last Tuesday, while the Chiefs took advantage of their twice-to-beat advantage and booted out the Mapua Cardinals, 92-80.
But the Red Lions are the favorites in the championship for having beaten the Chiefs thrice this season, including a 91-81 triumph on September 23 that clinched for San Beda the top seed after the eliminations. San Beda Coach Jamike Jarin, however, doesn’t want his wards to be tagged as favorites.
“You lose your six best players from last year, you lose your best center during the season and still end up No. 1. We must be doing something good,” Jarin said. “We’re still struggling, that’s why I consider us as the underdogs.”