Can Eagles, Lions forge dream PCCL showdown?

Top notch collegiate basketball programs Ateneo and San Beda take on different foes on Saturday, looking to seal a dream showdown for the Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) title.

Standing in their way are University of the Visayas and University of the Philippines, respectively, which hope to spoil the Ateneo-San Beda clash when the Final Four is played at Ynares Sports Center in Pasig.

The Blue Eagles, tipped as the tournament’s heavy favorites, take on the Green Lancers in the 2 p.m. contest before the Red Lions collide with the Maroons in the 4 p.m. game.

Winners of the two matches advance to the final dance slated on Sunday at Filoil Flying-V Centre in San Juan.

“We’re counting that [Ateneo has a] weaker lineup [for this tournament]; some of their players are no longer around,” said UV coach Gary Cortez. The Lancers are coming off a stunning 76-67 victory over Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc.’s reigning champion, Southwestern University just last Wednesday.

UV, however, will have its work cut out as Ateneo has found new spearheads in Gilas Pilipinas member Dwight Ramos and SJ Belangel.

Coach Tab Baldwin, who was hospitalized last weekend due to over fatigue, could miss the you-or-me tussle, his deputy Sandy Arespacochaga told the Inquirer.