Rivalry rekindled as Lions, Knights clash
San Beda and Letran clash in a duel of fancied sides Saturday in the 95th NCAA men’s basketball tournament eliminations at Cuneta Astrodome where the defending champion Red Lions will try to keep their immaculate slate and wrest the solo lead.
Tip-off is at 2 p.m. with the Knights seeking their sixth win in seven games.
Arellano University and Mapua clash in the afternoon’s other matchup at 4 p.m.
San Beda is currently tied with College of Saint Benilde for the league’s best record at 4-0, while Letran is in a third place tie with idle Lyceum of the Philippines University.
The league is hoping to push through with this highly-anticipated matchup between the long-time rivals.
Fridays matches between St. Benilde and Jose Rizal University and San Sebastian and Emilio Aguinaldo College were called off because of the foul weather.
The matchup will also feature the Lions’ Calvin Oftana and the Knights’ Ato Ular, who are currently enjoying their breakout seasons.
The trio of Donald Tankoua, James Canlas and Evan Nelle has been producing its usual numbers for San Beda this season.
Oftana, meanwhile, has given coach Boyet Fernandez another reliable player who has stepped up after the graduations of Art dela Cruz and Javee Mocon to the pro ranks.
Ular has been impressive this season for Letran to support Bonbon Batiller, Jerrick Balanza, Larry Muyang and Jeo Ambohot.
The Knights hope to go deeper this season and if everything falls into place, a Finals rematch with the Lions is not far fetched.
Letran is definitely one of the biggest threats to San Beda’s reign.
