Long-time Letran coach sees San Beda-Letran finals going full route

Coach Louie Alas during his days with Letran. Photo by Jan Dizon, NCAA.org.ph

Louie Alas, the former long-time head coach of Letran and the last tactician to steer the school to an NCAA championship over the past decade, thinks this year’s NCAA Finals showdown between the Knights and the San Beda Red Lions could go either way.

And not even his association with Letran, the team he had coached for 12 seasons and the same school where his two sons also played, could make Alas predict the Knights dethroning the Red Lions dynasty.

READ: Jarin sees tough, close series ahead for San Beda vs Letran

In fact, he sees the best-of-three championship duel as a toss up.

“It can go both ways. The performance of their bench players will be very crucial,” Alas said shortly after San Beda sent No.4 Jose Rizal University packing following a 78-68 win in their Final Four match Tuesday night that setup a 2013 finals rematch with fierce rival Letran.

READ: ‘Small ball’ works as Letran aims to end 10-year title drought

“[It will go] 3 games. [I] don’t know which team,” admitted Alas, who is now part of the Alaska Aces coaching staff in the PBA.

The Knights secured their place in the title round after edging the Mapua Cardinals, 91-90, in the other semifinals pairing.

READ: San Beda drops JRU, faces rival Letran in NCAA finals

In Alas’ last year of coaching Letran in 2012, the Knights actually faced San Beda and lost in a blowout in Game 3.

San Beda, seeking a sixth straight crown this Season 91, repeated over Letran in the finals the following season and this year, the top-seeded Lions beat the Knights in two of the three times they met.