Knights, Lions eye semis bonus

MANILA, Philippines - Letran and San Beda gear up for a fierce showdown today with no less than the top spot and outright semifinal berth – plus the coveted twice-to-beat edge – at stake in the featured match of a triple-bill in the 91st NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

Letran coach Aldin Ayo has labeled the 4 p.m. match a “do-or-die” game given the impact of a win would bring to both sides’ Final Four bid with the loser facing the specter of going through a playoff for the other semis incentive.

“It will be an important game for both of us, I consider it a do-or-die game considering how the Final Four race is shaping up,” said Ayo, whose wards beat the Lions, 93-80, in their first round faceoff.

San Beda mentor Jamike Jarin also knows the importance of the game and vowed to give it their best shot against the league leaders.

“It’s a must-win for us also not just because we’re playing for pride but also for survival,” said Jarin.

Six teams fighting it out for the top four berths are closely bunched together heading to the last two playdates of the double rounds elims, thus making today’s matches, which also pit Mapua against St. Benilde at 12 noon, and Arellano vs Emilio Aguinaldo College, so crucial for the contenders.

Letran has the inside track to the No. 1 spot with a 12-4 card but San Beda is just behind at 12-5. Surging Jose Rizal U, skidding Perpetual Help and last year’s runner-up Arellano U are tied at third with 11-6 slates while Mapua is another half-a-game behind at 10-6.

Meanwhile, Management Committee chair Melchor Divina of Mapua said the net proceeds of the Letran-San Beda duel will go to former NCAA player and PBA star Samboy Lim, who continues fighting for full recovery of his senses after suffering a heart attack last November.

The Knights seized the top spot after turning back the Chiefs, 87-81, last Sept. 25 then watched the latter pull off a shock 91-72 rout of the Lions last Thursday that dropped the reigning five-peat champions to No. 2.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs and the Cardinals try to bolster their respective semis drive with victories over ousted rivals with the former out to close out their elims stint at 12-6 and the latter seeking to tie the idle Bombers and the Altas at 11-6.