Knights, Lions near NCAA finals showdown

Gamess Friday

(Mall of Asia Arena)

12 p.m.- CSB vs San Beda (seniors)

2:30 p.m. – Letran vs UPHSD (seniors)

MANILA, Philippines — It’s been a while since old, bitter rivals San Beda and Letran collided in the NCAA finals.

But now, the Knights and the Lions are on the cusp of forging their first title showdown after six years following their contrasting victories Tuesday in NCAA Season 101 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Lions devoured the Blazers whole, 91-72, while the Knights survived the University of Perpetual Help Altas, 77-73, to seize a 1-0 lead in their short but sweet semifinal series.

One more win in Game 2 set Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena would catapult San Beda and Letran straight to the finals in another best-of-three affair.

A decider, if necessary, is slated Sunday at the Big Dome.

If it happens, it will be a reunion of sorts between one of college basketball’s fiercest rivalries.

They last battled six seasons ago in a series that went the full, three-game route with the Knights emerging as the victors in a heart-pounding series that was decided by an average winning margin of two points.

San Beda coach Yuri Escuata, however, stressed the series is far from over.

“Nobody wins a series with one game,” said Escueta. “So I’m sure CSB is going to be better next game.”

“They’ll have some adjustments, we’ll have some adjustments and hopefully we come to the next game with the same mindset, focus and locked in on defense,” he added.

Agjanti Miller and John Sajonia presided over the carnage by unloading 29 and 26 points, respectively.

For the Knights, it was again the flashy Titing Manalili who came through after he delivered an all-around performance with 15 points, eight assists, six steals and five rebounds.

The scores:

First Game

Letran 77 – Manalili 15, Estrada 15, Gammad 11, Cuajao 9, Santos 6, Buensalida 6, Omega 6, Roque 5, Tapenio 2, Montecillo 2.

UPHSD 73 – Sleat 21, Abis 20, Boral 11, Gojo Cruz 10, Tulabut 3, Alcantara 3, Duremdes 2, Gelsano 2, Nuñez 1, Orgo 0, Casinilio 0, Maglupay 0.

Quarterscores: 26-22; 50-36; 64-56; 77-73

Second Game

San Beda 91 – Miller 29, Sajonia 26, Gonzales 11, Andrada 8, Calimag 5, Reyes 4, Lina 2, Celzo 2, Etulle 2, Puno 2, Jamora 0, Bonzalida 0.

CSB 72 – Torres 18, Umali 13, Sanchez 11, Ancheta 8, LIwag 7, Ynot 4, Morales 4, Gaspay 3, Cometa 2, Gonzaga 2, Oli 0, Cajucom 0, Eusebio 0, Moore 0.

Quarterscores: 22-19; 48-37; 65-53; 91-72

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