Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
On the cusp of a 10th title in 12 years, San Beda isn’t letting go of its underdog label the way Lyceum isn’t giving up on its dream of nailing a first NCAA crown.
After pinning on the Pirates their first NCAA Season 93 loss in Game 1 of the title series, the Red Lions hope to come out strong and sew up the crown Thursday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“I’m sticking to the brand that we are still the underdogs since we won just one game,” said San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez, who is looking for his third NCAA crown.
Behind the heroics of Robert Bolick, who had nine of the last 11 points of his team, the Lions grabbed Game 1, 94-87, before a huge crowd last Friday.
Donald Tankoua and Davon Potts also made an impact for the Lions, combining for 42 points as they spoiled the Pirates’ perfect record.
San Beda skipper Javee Mocon said their team’s experience in pressure situations remains their only edge against a Lyceum team which has depth and firepower.
“This is the finals,” said Mocon. “This is a test of character. We would like to show everybody that although Lyceum has all the heart, we want to show that we have a bigger heart because we are champions.”
The series opener followed the trend of the two elimination round meetings between the two powerhouse squads won by the Pirates. Only this time, the Lions found their stride in crunch time with Bolick doing most of the damage.
But instead of sulking shortly after their first loss in 19 games, Lyceum coach Topex Robinson owned up to the defeat and vowed that his troops will be ready for war on Thursday.
Robinson was particularly happy with the way the Pirates fought even after the Lions took a comfortable nine-point edge heading into the final seconds.
“The players—we could have just rolled down and died,” said Robinson. “But they just wanted to fight. That’s how we always honor the game, by giving our best until that final buzzer. We’re not gonna just roll down and die.”