Red Cubs, Staglets dispute PSSBC crown today

Games today (SGS gym, Araneta Avenue, Q.C.)

12:45 p.m. – Hope Christian vs Mapua

2:15 p.m. – San Sebastian vs San Beda

MANILA, Philippines - San Beda College and San Sebastian College add another chapter to their storied cage rivalry as they slug it out today for the second Philippine Secondary Schools Basketball Championship (PSSBC) crown at the SGS gym on Araneta Ave. in Quezon City.

San Beda and San Sebastian forged a one-game face-off for the title after pulling off contrasting semis victories over Mapua, 83-63, and Hope Christian High School, 110-107 (OT), respectively, with the Red Cubs hoping to re-assert their mastery over the Staglets, whom they swept in this year’s NCAA wars.

But it’s still anybody’s contest in the 2:15 p.m. match to be aired live on GMA TV News.

“Both teams are on a mission with San Beda out to protect its winning legacy while San Sebastian is seeking redemption. So with that, we expect another battle royale today. It’s going to be a slambang affair,” said Eduard Tio, one of the league’s shareholders.

The Staglets got back at last year’s champion Hope Christian and are confident they could do the same to the Red Cubs in the tournament sponsored by Hapee Toothpaste, Ever Bilena, MEC Computer, Wrangler, Jumbo Plastic Linoleum, Ironcon Builders, Welcoat Paints, Dickies Underwear, Davies Paint and Spray & Seal Tire Sealant and Rain or Shine.

“They got their revenge over Hope Christian so now they want another against San Beda this time. I’m sure it will be their motivation,” said Tio.

Arvin Tolentino will not be around to man the slot for San Beda, but coach JB Sison remains confident his other key players like Javee Mocon, John Ryan Gumtang, Joshua Caracut, Ranbill Tongo and Franz Abuda will step up.

Sison’s main concern though is how to limit the production of the sweet-shooting Ryan Paule Costelo who exploded for 38 points in their win over Hope Christian. Costelo hit all but one of his 11 field goals, including six from beyond the arc.

Others tipped to carry the cudgels for SSC are Michael Calisaan, Alfren Gayosa, Jasper Magno and Lorenzo Fernando Navarro.