Red Lions seek 17th NCAA title against Knights

San Beda go for the kill today in the NCAA finals. Photo by Jan Dizon/NCAA.org.ph

MANILA, Philippines — Reigning champion San Beda braces for a braver stand from Letran when the Lions gun for a record 17th title Saturday in Game 2 of the 88th NCAA basketball tournament at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Lions barely survived the Knights, 62-60, in Game 1 Thursday night and San Beda coach Ronnie Magsanoc expects a far, tougher time for his squad as they go for the clincher 5:30 p.m. duel.

“We can’t look ahead,” said the rookie coach tasked to guide the Lions to their sixth crown in seven years. “We will try to outwork them again. That has been our foundation because Letran is a very proud and hungry team.”

Game 1 was decided on Letran’s final possession when the Lions forced the Knights’ leading scorer Kevin Alas into a turnover to preserve the win.

Baser Amer and Ryusei Koga were also instrumental in the victory, combining for 22 points in the second half. It was Koga’s triple with 1:05 remaining that lifted the Lions to a 62-57 lead.

Letran may be ruing the missed opportunity to finally end a five-year losing streak to San Beda, but the Knights guaranteed they’ll force a deciding game.

Alas said the outcome will be different when he’s presented the opportunity to bail out the Knights on their final play.
“It was all on me,” said Alas of the endgame gaffe. “If I get another chance, I’ll never commit that mistake again.”

Alas had just three points in the second half after picking up 15 in the first two quarters as the Lions double-teamed him each time he got the ball, while Rome dela Rosa, Koga and Anjo Caram took turns in shadowing him.