San Beda, Letran go all out for the title. Photo by Jan Dizon, NCAA.org.ph
The chase for an NCAA record 17 championship ends today for either San Beda or Letran as they collide one last time this season in Game 3 of their 88th NCAA basketball tournament finals series at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Having split 32 titles, the Lions—a team with so much depth and experience—and the Knights, a squad finding ways to win even with their backs against the wall this season, finally break their tie in the latest chapter of their storied rivalry.
San Beda took Game 1 with a 62-60 decision, before Letran leveled the series Saturday with a masterful 64-55 win that ended a 15-game losing streak to the Lions in the past five years.
But with so much at stake, the odds are pretty much even heading into the last game of the season.
“I truly appreciate the players for getting us here,” said San Beda coach Ronnie Magsanoc. “We have… worked so hard. But our job is not finished yet.”
Letran had to deal with off-court issues the past few days with Alas needing to apologize for his slit-throat gesture against members of the technical committee to avoid suspension in Game 3.
The Lions are seeking their third title in a row and sixth overall in seven years.
“It will come down as to whose got the biggest heart,” said Alas, who led the Knights to titles in 1998, 2003 and 2005.