Games Saturday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
8 a.m. – Perpetual vs Benilde (Battle for 3rd)
11 a.m. – Letran vs Arellano (Squires lead 1-0)
2 p.m. – Letran vs San Beda (Red Lions lead 1-0)
By MARK REY MONTEJO
Even without its suspended super rookie Janti Miller, San Beda is determined to finish off archrival Letran as they clash in Game 2 of the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball Finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Saturday, Dec. 13.
As Miller served an untimely suspension due to two technical fouls in the best-of-three title series, the Red Lions are looking forward to hoisting their 24th overall crown in the grand old league before their expected roaring supporters.
Tip-off is at 2 p.m., with the Knights looking for a different narrative this time, one that will give them a ray of hope in pursuit of the league’s supremacy.
Serving as an appetizer to what could be a full-blown war is the battle for third between University of Perpetual and College of St. Benilde at 8 a.m. while Game 2 of the Juniors Finals between Letran and Arellano is set at 11 a.m.
The winner of the Most Valuable Player plum and other individual awards will also be known during awarding ceremony starting at 10 a.m.
After drawing the first blood with a dominant 89-70 triumph in Game 1, San Beda looks to replicate its splendid offense that saw the Mendiola-based squad once seize a 22-point lead, 70-48.
Through the efforts of Bryan Sajonia, Nygel Gonzales, Jimmy Reyes, Penny Estacio, and RC Calimag, the Red Lions threw the Knights out of their comfort zone early and never recovered.
But all eyes will be on Yukien Andrada who is out to give himself fitting “Swan Song” before his professional stint with the Magnolia Hotshots in the PBA.
But the one who stood out the most was the 6-foot-4 Miller who collected 16 points, nine rebounds, and two assists before getting ejected off two technical fouls that resulted in automatic suspension.
Titing Manalili, who impressed in his maiden finals appearance, must continue his brilliance to help the Knights live for another day and resume their bid for a 21st title.
Apart from Manalili, also expected to shine for the Knights are Jimboy Estrada and Jun Roque but they need to squeeze the best out of Kevin Santos to prevail.
