Jude P. Roque

in blinding speed, took control of the game early. But the fearsome Lions, equipped with valuable championship experience, kept clawing back. LPU controlled the first half, leading by five markers on the strength of 18 turnover points. Returning Lions coach Boyet Fernandez challenged his boys in halftime to show the heart of a champion. But the Pirates continued their assault in the early goings of the third canto to build their biggest lead in the game of 12 points. A few adjustments allowed San Beda to stage a huge rally that tied the count at the end of the quarter.

In the payoff period, the sea of red in the Big Dome (both Bedan and Lycean crowds sported red outfit) was witness to a thrilling see-saw contest. But in endgame, the Lions’ championship experience finally sank in as they wrested the driver’s seat under five minutes of playtime, and slowly built on the lead with the heroics of Robert Bolick, Donald Tankoua, Javee Mocon and graduating guard Davon Potts. Bolick scored nine points in a huge San Beda run for a nine-point lead in the final minute. Newly-named tournament MVP CJ Perez and the bull-strong Mike Nzeusseu tried to make a last ditch stand to cut their deficit to five, but time ran out. SBC won, 94-87.

It was a great championship duel between two elite squads. LPU tasted its first defeat in the season but is not out of the championship picture. First time in the playoffs, the Intramuros-based Lyceans entered unchartered waters and were overwhelmed by a wave of emotions. But Robinson is a master in motivation and is expected to steer the Pirates’ ship back into course. As for the Red Lions, complacency is their biggest foe. Probably used to winning so many titles, the Bedans tend to relax until faced with adversity. They can’t allow LPU to get back its confidence by leveling the series on Thursday.

Whatever happens, it looks like this SBC-LPU rivalry will go on for the seasons to come.