Lions, Stags take first shot at title duel

MANILA, Philippines - The Red Lions tackle the Perpetual Help Altas at 4 p.m. while the Golden Stags tangle with the Letran Knights at 6 p.m. in a pair of high-powered semis matches tipped to fill the Big Dome to the rafters.

San Beda and San Sebastian also have two shots at the juniors finals. The Red Cubs take on the Letran Squires at 12 noon while the Staglets battle the St. Benilde-LSGH Greenies at 2 p.m.

The Lions and the Stags finished first and second in the elims and thus enjoy twice-to-beat edges in the Final Four. Both, however, are convinced they can’t afford to relax while ranged against rivals who gave them much trouble in the elims.

Letran repulsed San Sebastian twice while Perpetual stunned San Beda, 88-87, in overtime in their initial match.

“We need to beat them two in a row to make the next level. It’s a tall order but it’s doable,” said coach Louie Alas whose Knights rode an 8-1 surge in the second round of the elims to clinch the No. 3 spot.

“I think we have a chance to upset them. We have players to match up with them in every position. They’re (the Lions) an experienced bunch but our team is highly motivated,” said Altas mentor Aric del Rosario.

Both are exciting matches.

On one side, San Beda tries to keep its dominant run, eyeing a seventh straight finals appearance while Perpetual, making the Final Four via the backdoor, hopes to take its act all the way to the championship.

The Stags and the Knights renew their old rivalry in the other semis featuring the super troika of Carl Abueva, Ian Sangalang and Ronald Pascual against a Letran side boosted by the return of Raymond Almazan.

Also interesting is who among coaches Ronnie Magsanoc, Allan Trinidad and Del Rosario get to keep their Cinderella rides with their respective teams.

“Hopefully, our luck continues,” said Del Rosario, a multi-titled bench tactician whose four straight championships with UST have just been broken by Norman Black with Ateneo’s “Five-Peat”.

“All records are meant to be broken. Who knows we’ll be able to make history with Perpetual this time,” Del Rosario said.

The Altas are in the Final Four for the first time in eight years. They hope to upend the Lions and get a shot at a first-ever crown for the Las Piñas-based school.

But no doubt, San Beda is the odds-on pick versus Perpetual with a formidable lineup that includes Olaide Adeogun, Amer Baser, Arthur dela Cruz, Jake Pascual, Kyle Pascual and Francis Johnson Abarcar.

Perpetual will be led by center Nosa Nicholas Omorogbe and gunner Jeff Vidal.