Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 7) – The highly anticipated matchup between fierce rivals San Beda University Red Lions and defending NCAA champions Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights has been moved to a later date.
In the updated NCAA Season 97 eliminations schedule released by the collegiate league’s management committee on Thursday, the San Beda-Letran tussle was reset from the noon game on April 12 to the 3 p.m. main game on April 29.
“We decided to hold the games of San Beda against Letran on the last day of the elimination round. The reason behind is we recognize the rivalry, and also it’s been a tradition that the two schools – because of that rivalry – clash during the last day of the elimination round,” said Dax Castellano, chairman of the committee.
The San Beda-Letran feud is one of the longest rivalries in Philippine collegiate basketball, with the two schools figuring in several memorable championship clashes, involving their legendary alumni players to the present generation of cagers.
The two last figured in the finals during NCAA Season 95 in 2019, where the Knights bucked the odds to beat the Red Lions in three games despite the Mendiola-based squad’s sweep of the 18-game elimination round.
In the current season, San Beda and Letran remain dominant as they are two of only three unbeaten teams in the team standings after three games.
Due to the schedule change, only one game will be played on April 12, with the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers facing host College of St. Benilde Blazers at 3 p.m.
The match between the Perpetual Help Altas and Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals will fire off the last elimination round playdate on April 29, before the long-awaited battle between the Red Lions and the Knights.
Castellano said the committee has yet to decide if they will open the remaining NCAA Season 97 elimination round games to fans.
“We’ll explore that possibility of increasing our guest list,” said Castellano.
All games are still scheduled to be played behind closed doors at the La Salle Greenhills Gym.
LOOK: Updated NCAA Season 97 elims schedule
The much anticipated matchup between rivals San Beda and Letran has been moved to April 29, Friday.
No decision yet from NCAA ManComm if games will be open to fans. | @dtdyumol pic.twitter.com/ZSEhOnfFiJ
— CNN Philippines Sports Desk (@sportsdeskph) April 7, 2022
