Eagles, Lions start bid in 'Sweet 16'

UAAP champion Ateneo and NCAA three-peat titlist San Beda start their drive to a dream title showdown as they take on zonal qualifiers Lyceum and University of San Jose-Recoletos, respectively, in the Sweet 16 of the Philippine Collegiate Champions’ League which fires off today at The Arena in San Juan City.

The Eagles, who swept archrivals the La Salle Archers to capture this year’s UAAP crown, tangle with the Pirates at 2 p.m. while the Lions, who edged the Jose Rizal Bombers in sudden death to clinch a third straight NCAA title, collide with the Jaguars at 4 p.m.

Twelve other teams are vying in the knockout style format stage of the tournament with the champion gaining a berth in the 2009 Universiade in Serbia.

Ateneo, however, will likely suit up without Jobe Nkemakolam and 2009 Rookie of the Year Ryan Buenafe and probably star guard Chris Tiu.

“Jobe will not play because he’s busy with something while Chris didn’t practice yesterday (Saturday) and might not play tomorrow (today),” Ateneo’s league representative to the UAAP board Ricky Palou yesterday told The STAR.

Buenafe, a vital cog in the Eagles’ recent title conquest, will not play to focus on his studies for him to be able to stay with the team next season.

Nkemakolam, on the other hand, was reportedly stricken off the list after he, according to a reliable source, failed to attend team functions while Tiu is doubtful starter because of his busy schedule.

But MVP Rabeh Al-Hussaini, Finals MVP Nonoy Baclao, Eric Salamat, Jai Reyes, Nico Salva, Yuri Escueta and Bacon Austria are all expected to suit up against the Pirates.

The Lions, on the other hand, will parade an intact roster headed by two-time NCAA MVP Sam Ekwe of Nigeria but without guard Pong Escobal, who is now with the pros.

“Everybody will play except Pong,” said San Beda mentor Frankie Lim.

“Sam is okay, and we’re still looking forward to win games with him around,” said Lim of his 6-9 reinforcement.

Ogie Menor, Borgie Hermida, Jake Pascual, Jay-R Taganas, JR Tecson, Chico Tirona, Bam Bam Gamalinda and Dave Marcelo are the other stars backstopping San Beda’s campaign.

Lim, however, cautioned his wards not to take the Jaguars lightly.

“USJR is a strong team, very aggressive and they have good shooters. We have to deal with that,” said Lim.

The Pirates gained a spot in the Sweet 16 in the Zone 2 qualifier while the Jaguars advanced to the elite round via the Zone 3 eliminations.

Aside from the trip to Serbia, the champion will pocket the top purse worth P1 million – half through scholarship grants courtesy of Smart, PLDT, KFC, Flying V, Fil-Oil and The STAR and the other half in cash through SBP chief Manny V. Pangilinan.