San Beda faces ‘all-star’ Letran

Game today:

(Smart Araneta Coliseum)

2 p.m. — San Beda vs Letran

It has been six years since rivals San Beda University and Letran College last met in the finals of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball tournament.

At 2 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, both squads face off anew on the big stage for Game 1 of the NCAA Season 101 finals.

Both the Lions and the Knights clash for the biggest prize in the Grand Old League as they aim to get an early advantage in their best-of-three championship series.

Letran head coach Allen Ricardo said they can’t wait to face San Beda in the finals in what is promised to be one of the most anticipated matches of the year.

The Knights swept the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta in the semifinals to book a slot in the finals since their three-peat in 2022.

“Yeah, there’s always pressure but that’s a privilege for us. Now that we’re here in the championship, we’ll just enjoy it,” said Rocardo, who will enter his first NCAA championship series in the seniors division.

“It’s a matter of mental preparation. We have to write our own history. Our players know their roles and what is important is that they remain composed both offensively and defensively.”

Sophomore guard Jimboy Estrada is expected to be one of the main options for Letran as he averaged 14.31 points in seven games while rookie point guard Jonathan Manalili has 13.65 points and 9.35 assists in fourteen matches.

Meanwhile, San Beda head coach Yuri Escueta said winning the school’s 24th NCAA title will be easier said than done as he calls Letran an “all-star” squad.

The Lions finished off last year’s finalist College of Saint Benilde in three games of their semifinals series, including a heart-stopping 84-81 win in Game 3 at the Big Dome to set up a championship match with the Knights.

“It will not be easy. Letran is a tough team and they are properly backed by SGA (Strong Group Athletics). They have a good coaching staff and talented players,” said Escueta, who is seeking his second NCAA title with the San Beda.

“I told the boys even before the season started that Letran is an all-star team and Titing (Manalili) is very talented, so we have to be able to prepare well and toughen up.”

Rookie guard Janti Miller has been running the show for the Lions as he averaged 20.63 points and 6.25 points in 16 games.