Do or die for Lions, Dolphins

San Beda College and Philippine Christian University clash today in a winner-take-all match for the NCAA men’s basketball crown at the Araneta Coliseum with no team holding a distinct advantage over the other despite splitting the first two games in blowout fashions.

The Red Lions, seeking an end to a 28-year title drought, blasted the Dolphins in the first game, 71-57, but the Taft-based cagers, winners in 2004, fought back in Game Two and demolished the former, 70-52, to force a do-or-die in their best-of-three series for the coveted crown.

PCU believes it has the momentum and enjoys the psychological edge following its victory Wednesday but San Beda is hungry for title and the Red Lions are going flat out to quench that thirst for a first-ever crown in nearly three decades.

Gametime is at 4 p.m.

"I guess we have the momentum since we’re coming from a big Game 2 win," said PCU coach Joel Dualan in Filipino. "But knowing San Beda, we expect them to adjust."

That could be the key to the championship.

The Dolphins adjusted well in Game 2, clamping down on key San Beda gunners and got what they wanted.

Still, observers note that odds remain stacked against PCU since it would be facing not only Nigerian behemoth Samuel Ekwe and the Lions but also a big San Beda crowd expected to pack the Big Dome.

"The crowd will be a factor but we’ve been reminding the players not be intimidated by it," said Dualan, who also called out to all PCU supporters and alumni to likewise come in full force to cheer for their team.