NCAA: Fiba rule to decide ‘Final 5’
By Cedelf P. Tupas
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:21:00 09/07/2008
MANILA, Philippines—Might as well call it the Final Five.
The NCAA will use the Fiba classification point system to settle one of the tightest Final Four races in league history.
San Beda and Letran could end up tied for the No. 1 slot but there is also the possibility of having four teams ending up deadlocked for the last three slots with similar 9-5 records.
The Lions could wrap up the top spot and the twice-to-beat incentive that goes with it if they win on Wednesday against the Knights, who could drop into a four-way tie with San Sebastian, Mapua and Jose Rizal.
In this case, San Sebastian will play Jose Rizal and Mapua will battle Letran with the winners playing off for the No. 2 seed and the twice-to-beat-edge and the loser automatically clinching the third seed.
The losing teams will also play in another knockout match to determine the No. 4 team.
If the Knights prevail, they will play San Beda again in a playoff for the top spot, leaving SSC, Mapua and JRU to fight for the two remaining spots.
In case of a three-way tie at 9-5, Mapua and JRU will square off in a do-or-die match with the winner facing San Sebastian for the No. 3 seed.
|
