THEY have been far from perfect this season, but the defending champion San Beda Red Lions feel they are more than ready for their biggest challenge yet.
The Letran Knights took every slight as a motivation all season long, but they will have revenge on their minds in the NCAA Season 91 finals.
Clashing for the third time in four seasons, fierce rivals San Beda and Letran begin their best-of-three title series today at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
The two teams have 35 titles between them and while the Lions have enjoyed success the past decade, winning eight of the last nine titles, the Knights are also out to preserve their proud winning tradition.
“It’s about time we also win a championship after losing to San Beda twice already,” said Letran guard Mark Cruz.
Letran has 16 titles, but its last crown came in 2005, just before San Beda reinvigorated its program that led to a dominant run which the Lions are looking to extend this year.
The Lions, who are seeking a sixth straight title, have been far from convincing this season. But they seem to save their best when it matters most, and coach Jamike Jarin is hopeful it remains that way in the series that is expected to go down the wire.
The Lions own a 2-1 edge over the Knights in their three meetings this season with their latest win coming last week—83-78—to clinch top seeding in the playoffs. San Beda also has an experienced core led by Baser Amer, Ola Adeogun and Art dela Cruz.
“It [experience] will help, but Letran is a tough team to beat,” said Amer.
“It’s going to be very interesting,” said Jarin. “I dont see anybody with an advantage. But whoever brings in the energy will have a good chance.”
The Knights thrived with their run-and-gun approach, but they have also found a go-to guy in Cruz with his penchant for taking over late in games.
Letran’s rookie coach Aldin Ayo said the Knights are pulling out all the stops to end their title drought, just like the way they survived a gutsy stand from Mapua in the Final Four. “There’s tremendous pressure (to win),” said Ayo, who won two titles as a player for Letran in 1998 and 1999. “We are not going to waste this opportunity. We will do whatever it takes to win a championship.”