Jude P. Roque

most dominant team in the last 11 years, goes into an unfamiliar territory, having to play in a do-or-die battle to enter the finals. Since 2006, the Lions have not missed the finals, winning nine titles out of eleven finals appearances. But this year, SBC for the first time in 11 years ended the elims at No. 2, after LPU completed an 180 sweep that catapulted the Pirates to the finals. This also caused SBC to lose a twice-to-beat semis edge for the first time also in 11 years. LPU beat San Beda twice this year, even when the last encounter was a heart-pounding double overtime thriller.

The Stags, on the other hand, had to go through the proverbial eye of the needle after a couple of sudden death contests before setting this dance with the Lions. SSC passed its first test against the Letran Knights with a 74-68 victory to take the last seat in the finals. Then, because of the stepladder format as a result of LPU’s sweep of the elims, the Stags had to meet the Jose Rizal U Bombers, a team that beat them twice in the season already, in another knockout encounter. But they snapped out of a tight first quarter contest to blow the game wide open en route to an emphatic 85-73 triumph. This set the stage for a last showdown with old rival San Beda tomorrow.

Like JRU, San Beda has also defeated SSC twice already this season, 76-67 in the first round, and 76-65 in the second. The Lions have not lost to any team other than LPU. But the Stags are on a hot four-game winning streak and are eager to stage another colossal upset tomorrow. SBC is the best defensive team this season, limiting opponents to an average 65.8 points per game (PPG). SSC is No. 3 in defense, giving up 70.3 PPG. In offense, SBC and SSC are third and fourth respectively, with only 1 point separating them.

This should be a classic combat between fierce NCAA competitors that shouldn’t be missed.