University of Santo Tomas tries to take down another champion in San Beda in the Final Four of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League Friday at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
The Tigers—who conquered the five-time UAAP champion Ateneo Eagles the other day—clash with the Red Lions at 4 p.m., with both vying for a 2-0 edge in the round-robin semifinals.
“They’re a guard-based team so our guards have to work harder,” coach Pido Jarencio said of the first encounter between his Tigers and the three-time NCAA champion Lions this year.
Ateneo and Southwestern University, meanwhile, try to stay in contention for a title slot in the first game at 2 p.m.
Only the top two teams at the end of the round will advance to the best-of-three finals.
Jeric Teng sizzled with 22 points as the Tigers avenged their UAAP finals loss to the Blue Eagles, 76-66, last Wednesday to inch closer to their first championship stint in the nationwide tournament.
“It was a total team effort,” said Jarencio. “Right now, we’re just positive and confident.”
While the Tigers came out in full control, the Lions barely survived a tough challenge from the Cebu-based Cobras.
With luck on their side, the Lions pulled off a 73-72 escape when the Cobras failed to fire a potential game-winner before time ran out.
“Hopefully we’ll be able to match up with the other teams because they’re very sharp,” said San Beda coach Ronnie Magsanoc, noting that the Lions haven’t seen action since their title romp.
Jake Pascual led the Lions with 17 points and 12 rebounds, while Baser Amer collected 15 markers, five rebounds and six assists.
Nico Salva and Kiefer Ravena, who paced the Eagles with a combined 25 points, brace for a tough encounter against the Cobras, who will be led by Ben Mbala, the 17-year-old Cameroonian center who posted a game-high 27 points, seven rebounds and four blocks against the Lions.