Explosive NCAA semis unfold

MANILA, Philippines — Four teams, two of them out to reclaim the throne and the others aiming to end a championship drought, face off in the best-of-three semifinals of NCAA Season 101 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

University of Perpetual Help, eyeing its first finals stint in 21 years, and Letran, out to reclaim the title it won three years ago, face off at 11 a.m.

San Beda, looking to get back on top after reigning supreme two years ago, squares off with St. Benilde, which is seeking a second crown, at 2:30 p.m.

Game 2 is Friday at the MOA Arena while a deciding Game 3, if necessary, is on Sunday back at the Big Dome.

While the Altas, who have yet to win the title in 41 years in the league, had the better elimination record, the Knights have an ace up their sleeves after beating the former in the group stage, 63-56.

“We just have to have the mentality that we will all start from scratch and we need to work harder and play tougher,” said UPHSD coach Olsen Racela.

Letran mentor Allen Ricardo agrees.

“If it’s the playoffs, you throw away everything and just play for the win,” he said.