Pirates brace for key duel with Red Lions

MANILA, Philippines — Lyceum of the Philippines U coach Topex Robinson has never lost the desire to slug it out with San Beda U – be it in the elims or the finals, saying it always brings out the best in his Pirates.

They go at it again on Thursday at the close of the double round elims where the Pirates would be aiming not only to sweep the Lions but also claim the top spot in the Final Four.

Meanwhile, College of St. Benilde (8-8) clashes with Jose Rizal (3-14) at 2 p.m. while Arellano U (5-11) and Mapua (5-12) face off at 4 p.m. in a pair of non-bearing games today in the penultimate elims playdate of the 94th NCAA basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.

The other semifinals are Letran (13-4) and Perpetual Help (11-6).

After a dominating first round stint, the Pirates slowed down in the other half, losing to the surging Perpetual Help Altas and the Letran Knights to drop to second at 15-2, enabling the Lions to storm ahead at 15-1 heading to their second face-off in the season.

But Robinson is so focused on hurdling San Beda again in a match which he likens to a fan playing against its idol in what many see as a preview of the championship.