Games Wednesday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
8 a.m. – Mapua vs EAC (juniors)
11 a.m. – Arellano vs Letran (juniors)
2 p.m. – San Beda vs Letran (seniors)
By MARK REY MONTEJO
The stage is set for the grand old league’s most storied rivalry – the title clash everyone wants to happen and witness.
San Beda and Letran rekindle their fierce rivalry starting on Wednesday, Dec. 10, with the opening of their NCAA Season 101 seniors basketball Finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Battling for the third time this season– they split their first two games –the Red Lions and the Knights are expected go all-out in their 2 p.m. showdown.
After surviving the gritty College of St. Benilde Blazers in their best-of-three semifinal series behind scoring explosions from Yukien Andrada and Agjanti Miller in Game 3, San Beda looks set for a title redemption.
It can be remembered that the former Bonnie Tan-mentored Knights, led by Finals MVP Fran Yu and Jerrick Balanza, ended the once unblemished 18-0 run by the Red Lions in the championship round to claim the Season 95 crown in 2019.
Though the Mendiola-based squad appeared to have moved on from that heartbreak, the wound still lingers, and that’s the reason why San Beda is eager to seek revenge with Andrada and Miller leading the way.
Before he joins the Magnolia Hotshots in the PBA, Andrada is also hoping to end his collegiate career with a bang.
Aside from the two gunners, they can always count on Bryan Sajonia, Nygel Gonzales, and Jomel Puno when the going gets tough.
On the other hand, Titing Manalili hopes to hoist his first NCAA seniors trophy as he spearheads the team’s offense along with Jimboy Estrada, Jun Roque, Deo Cuajao, Mark Omega, and Kevin Santos.
The shifty Cebuano playmaker had already made mark during his junior years after spearheading the Squires to two straight championships in Season 98 and 99.
Meanwhile in juniors side, Arellano and Letran kickstart their own title clash at 11 a.m., while the third-place battle between Mapua and EAC is set at 8 a.m.
