INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines - Colegio de San Juan de Letran and San Beda College battle for the number one spot in the Final Four in key NCAA juniors basketball matches Wednesday at the Arena in San Juan.

The Squires are in for a grudge match against the Red Cubs, who spoil their bid for an 18-game eliminations sweep after a 92-91 thriller last October 2.

Both teams are tied at 17-1 following San Beda's recent rout of defending champion San Sebastian, already assured of a Final Four slot.

The Squires, led by scoring ace Jarelan Tampus and Glenn Khobuntin, are seeking another finals appearance after bowing to the Staglets last year.

“We’ll try to stop Tampus from scoring and Khobuntin from rebounding,” said Red Cubs coach Ato Badolato, whose team missed the final four last season as fifth placer.

Badolato, who is in his last coaching year, wants his team to finish with flying colors and reach the championship. “We just need to keep being consistent in our plays," he said.

Prior to the 2 p.m. San Beda-Letran match, University of Perpetual Help Dalta System goes up against Jose Rizal University in a playoff for the last Final Four slot.

The Altalettes are hoping to repeat their 109-92 win against the Light Bombers in the elimination rounds. Both teams finished the eliminations with a 11-7 slate.

“It’s been 29 years since we entered the semis. We wanted to end the long wait and play in the final four,” said Altalettes coach Antonio Pujante.

The Light Bombers, on the other hand, are determined to enter the semis and improve on their 2nd runner-up finish last season. The Light Bombers will lean on NCAA juniors scoring leader, Joshua Saret, who recorded a historic 89 points this season.

“I hope they (Light Bombers) they play the same as in the first round. I tell them their attitude towards the game is key whichever team we face,” said JRU coach Boy de Vera.