Roaring Lions seek ‘5-peat,’ NCAA history vs Chiefs Wednesday

The final step is usually the toughest but the San Beda Red Lions feel they are ready to seize their moment.

On the cusp of a rare “five-peat,” the Lions relish the opportunity to make history today when they face the Arellano Chiefs in Game 2 of their best-of-three finals series at Mall of Asia Arena.

“We’ve been waiting to be at this position all season long,” said San Beda guard Baser Amer. “All we know is it will not come easy and we have to work hard for it.”

Dominant in a 74-66 victory in Game 1, the Lions brace for a fightback from an Arellano squad that put up a brave stand even after falling into an early hole last Monday.

A victory by the Lions in the 1:30 p.m. clash will give San Beda an eighth title in nine years and 19th overall. A Game 3, if necessary, is slated on Saturday.

“It’s a huge challenge for us,” said Lions coach Boyet Fernandez. “Arellano fought back (Monday) and that’s credit to them.”

Aggressive on defense, the Lions showed the Chiefs what it takes to be successful in this stage of the tournament. San Beda took away Arellano’s strengths, particularly its fastbreak game, and relied on its size to negate the Chiefs’ speed.

The Red Lions got off to a fiery start, leading by as many as 15 points in the first period behind the solid play of Amer.

Still, the Chiefs were in the thick of the fight in Game 1 until midway in the final period when defensive linchpin Jiovani Jalalon left the game due to fouls.

Arellano coach Jerry Codiñera knows what exactly needs to be done for his team to stand a chance against the Lions.

“We have to match their intensity and we have to do it consistently,” said Codiñera. “In the first two quarters of Game 1, there was no urgency on our part.”