Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Reigning five-peat champion San Beda and Letran renew their heated rivalry as the two collide Thursday (July 16) for a share of the lead with Perpetual Help in the 91st National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) basketball competition at The Arena in San Juan.
Tied at second with pristine 2-0 win-loss records, the Lions and the Knights clash in their 4 p.m. encounter with the winner joining Bright Akhuetie and the Altas, unbeaten in three starts, at the helm.
It will be an interesting match up between San Beda’s league-best offense and Letran’s league-best defense.
The Lions, under coach Jamike Jarin’s aggressive run-and-gun system, have averaged 105 points in two games while the the Knights, relying on Aldin Ayo’s suffocating full-court pressure, have stiffled foes to 57.50 points in the last two outings.
San Beda, eyeing a seniors record sixth straight crown, have been drawing strength from Arthur dela Cruz who has carried team with norms of 24.50 points, 15 boards and five assists while Nigerian Ola Adeogun and Baser Amer were dealing with injuries.
Adeogun and Amer though have suited up and played minimal minutes in the last game and are close to returning to full strength, giving the Lions the edge in the frontcourt and bench depth.
“Slowly but surely, Ola and Baser are getting back to full shape,” said Jarin.
While undersized, the Knights boast of the league’s best three-guard combination of Mark Cruz, Kevin Racal and Rey Nambatac.
Of the three, Nambatac has shone the brightest having exploded with 25 points he laced with four booming triples in a 78-62 win over Jose Rizal on July 3.
Defense though remains Letran’s ticket.
“We just want to play disruptive basketball and bring chaos to our opponents,” said Ayo, who resigned from his job as part of KIA’s PBA team to concentrate with the Muralla-based dribblers.
