MANILA, Philippines — Letran guns for a rare three-peat while College of St. Benilde eyes its second title overall when the best-of-three NCAA Season 98 finals begins today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Blazers will come in as the top seeds but not necessarily the favorites after topping the double-round elimination with a 14- 4 record. The Knights wound up the No. 2 seeds with a 13-5 mark but are tipped as the fancied side, thanks to their championship experience.
Oddly, both combatant coaches have claimed they’re the underdogs.
“Tough matchup for us. We are big underdogs against the two-time defending champions,” said CSB rookie coach Charles Tiu, who is seeking to steer his team to title No. 2 since capturing its breakthrough crown 22 years ago.
“Hopefully we can find a way to upset them. They’re a great team with a lot of championship experience,” he added.
Tiu’s Letran counterparts have likewise clung to the belief that they’re not the favorites even though all the signs and records are reflecting otherwise.
Apart from their almost intact roster from their last two championship reigns in Season 97 last May and pre-pandemic Season 96 three years ago, the Knights were the only bunch the Blazers haven’t beaten this season as the former swept their two elimination round duels.
Or Letran is just using the old psychological tactic of sandbagging to make the opposing team feel complacent.
That is the mistake CSB is bent on avoiding.
“We’re definitely the underdogs,” Tiu reiterated.
And Tiu loves what he’s seeing with his wards in practice.
“The atmosphere in practice has been okay. Health is generally good except for JC Cullar who has been playing hurt,” said Tiu referring to his cerebral team captain who has been nursing a sore knee.
Apart from Cullar, CSB is expected to draw strength from a deep bench headed by MVP race leader Will Gozum, Migz Oczon, Migz Corteza, Jimboy Pasturan, Mark Sangco and Robie Nayve.
For Letran, everything would hinge on its bruising defense and its three super seniors – Fran Yu, Brent Paraiso and Louie Sangalang.
As to how the season will go, Tiu said the result of Game One scheduled at 3 p.m. would prove pivotal.
“Three games if we lose the first, but if not, I hope two,” he said.