Lions, Stags dispute 2nd finals seat

Reigning champion San Beda hopes to come out sharp after a long break as it disputes the second finals berth against a streaking San Sebastian squad on Tuesday in NCAA Season 93 men’s basketball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena.

Unable to bag the top seeding at the end of the elimination round for the first time in 12 years, the Red Lions fight for the right to face unbeaten Lyceum in the best-of-three finals starting Friday.

Standing in their way are the Stags who won a couple of knockout games in the stepladder semifinals to set up the duel with the Lions.

The Lions’ 16-2 record at the end of the elimination round would have been enough to seal top seeding last season, but with the emergence of the Pirates, the defending champions also lost their twice-to-beat edge in the semifinals.

Both San Beda losses came against Lyceum, including a 105-107 overtime defeat that completed an 18-0 elimination round sweep for the Pirates last Oct. 19.

“It is what it is and now we just have to deal with San Sebastian,” said San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez, whose team swept the Stags in the elimination round. “We have to match their energy and limit everyone.” —CEDELF P. TUPAS