Knights speed worries Lions

MANILA, Philippines - San Beda is tipped to complete a record six-peat against Letran in their best-of-three showdown for the NCAA men’s basketball crown beginning tomorrow at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.

But SBC coach Jamike Jarin insists it’s still anybody’s game, wary of the Knights’ firepower, speed and defense.

“They say they’re (Knights) the underdogs. But I’d like to say we’re also the underdogs. Filipinos love  underdogs. So I think it’s anybody’s game,” said Jarin after steering the reigning five-peat champions past the Jose Rizal U Bombers, 78-68, in their Final Four duel last Wednesday to secure their 10th straight finals appearance.

But with vast championship experience plus two imports in Ola Adeogun and Donald Tankoua and a veteran playmaker and member of the team’s last five title runs, the Red Lions seem to have the advantage in the upcoming title playoff.

San Beda also enjoys a 2-1 edge over Letran in their head-to-head duel this season with the Knights winning their first face-off and the Lions bouncing back in the second round and in their playoff for the top spot after both teams ended up tied for first in the elims.

But the Knights hope to neutralize the Lions’ edge in ceiling, experience and manpower with their speed and a big fighting heart that had fueled their impressive campaign in the double round elims.