Pirates aim for record sweep, huge finals edge

MANILA, Philippines — More than a sweep of the NCAA double elimination round, Lyceum of the Philippines U seeks to secure the thrice-to-beat edge in the finals as it clashes with San Beda at the close of the seniors basketball elims at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.

“It’s another opportunity for us to inspire others, which has been our battle cry from the start,” said LPU coach Topex Robinson on the eve of their much-awaited 2 p.m. encounter with Lions.

The Pirates toppled the defending champions, 96-91, in their second game in the first round last July 14 and went on to pile up victories after victories, including lopsided ones and cliffhangers, on their way to a 17-0 card.

Another win will send Lyceum straight to the finals, paving the way for the knockout stepladder semis.

A sweep will also make LPU the first team in recent years to sweep the elims since San Beda did the trick seven years ago when the Lions won all their 16 matches but in a nine-team field.

San Beda mentor Boyet Fernandez, however, said the Lions (16-1) will go all out to foil the Pirates’ historic bid.

“But for us to have a chance, we need to play with a defensive mentality,” said Fernandez.

Meanwhile, San Sebastian shoots for a playoff for the last semis seat as it tangles with ousted Perpetual Help at 4 p.m.

The Stags are currently at No. 6 with an 8-9 card but a win will force a three-way tie for fourth with the Letran Knights and the Arellano U Chiefs.

In this case, SSC will gain the bye with the highest point differential (30) as against Letran’s -9 by Letran and Arellano’s -21.

The Knights and the Chiefs will then figure in a knockout playoff tomorrow with the winner disputing the last Final Four seat against the Stags on Tuesday.

But focus will be on the Pirates-Lions rematch tipped to go down-to-the-wire.