Knockout duels for PCCL finals slots today

Only one college champion will be left standing as La Salle and San Beda clash for the second title berth in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) today at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Green Archers and the Red Lions collide at 4 p.m. after Far Eastern University and Southwestern University dispute the first championship slot at 2 p.m.

“I know it’s going to be a different La Salle, but we’ll be ready for them,” coach Boyet Fernandez said as his four-time NCAA champion Lions brace for a tight duel against the  UAAP ruler Archers.

The last day of the round-robin Final Four turned into virtual knockout games after all four teams wound up with 1-1 records.

“They’re a very strong team and everyone’s a potential threat,” La Salle coach Juno Sauler said of the Lions, who dumped the SWU Cobras by 28 points, 77-49, in their last game.

Last Saturday, the Archers and the Lions had a feel of each other in a benefit game, which ended in a deadlock at 74.

Last Tuesday, the Archers crushed the Tamaraws, 80-60, behind surprise performer Matt Salem (17 points), Jeron Teng (13 points, seven rebounds and four assists) and Almond Vosotros (11 points and five assists).