Jr NC, UAAP titlists collide in PSSBC tiff

MANILA, Philippines - NCAA champion San Beda College and reigning UAAP titlist National U clash today in an expected fierce duel in the quarterfinal round of the second Philippine Secondary School Basketball Championship (PSSBC) at the Chiang Kai Shek College in Manila.

More than the semis berth, a lot will be at stake when the two champion teams collide at 1:30 p.m.

“It’s going to be an intense and dramatic encounter because both teams are aching to win the bragging rights as the fittest and finest team in the land,” said PSSBC chairman Dioceldo Sy of Ever Bilena. “So it’s going to be a war of attrition.”

With the return of UAAP Finals MVP Hubert Cani from a one-game suspension, the NU Bullpups are expected to put one over their NCAA counterparts in the featured game of the exciting quadruple bill.

But problem for NU is that San Beda is loaded with stars from almost all positions, led by Arvin Tolentino, Joshua Curacut, Adven Diputado, Jayvee Mocon and Franz Abuda.

Without Cani – the team’s do-it-all guy – the Bullpups suffered a shocking 82-64 defeat to Mapua last Wednesday, thus ending up fourth in Group A elims with an even 2-2 card in the tournament sponsored by Wrangler, Jumbo Plastic Linoleum, Ironcon Builders, MEC Computer, Hapee Toothpaste, Welcoat Paints, Dickies Underwear, Ever Bilena, Davies Paint and Spray & Seal Tire Sealant.

And that resulted to an early and unexpected showdown with the Red Cubs, who topped Group B elims by winning all their five games, including a 77-70 decision over defending champion Hope Christian High School last Monday.

Hope Christian and Xavier School, meantime, renew their rivalry when they clash at 12 noon while Group A topnotcher San Sebastian College collides with Jose Rizal University at 9 a.m. before UAAP runner-up Ateneo goes up against Mapua at 10:30 a.m.