MENDOZA...

Fernandez and Robinson are worlds apart. Common sense tells us that against this backdrop, Fernandez and his Lions are shooins to derail their foes’ date with destiny. But, of course. And so it was that San Beda prevailed, in the process putting Lyceum in its proper place as a mere pretender. I saw it coming. After San Beda stopped Lyceum behind a masterful 94-87 Game 1 victory in the bestof-three Finals, the Lions appeared a cinch to clinch their 11th crown in 13 seasons. I knew it would come in Game 2. For, while admittedly Lyceum bragged of a CJ Perez that had earlier emerged the league’s MVP, San Beda’s terrific trio of Donald Tankoua, Rob Bolick and pro-bound David Potts were simply too overpowering against the Lyceum Pirates.

Tankoua, the Finals MVP, had this gamelong consistency to score and rebound (he averaged 22 points and 18.5 rebounds in the two championship games), while Potts and Bolick would come to life almost at the same time in the homestretch to inflict the big blows against the Pirates.

Bolick was particularly outstanding in both San Beda victories, stringing up the lethal shots, including yet his five-point burst in the stretch that keyed the Lions’ titleclinching 92-82 victory in Game 2.

Lyceum had the perfect record in the eliminations, yes, with their 18-0 sweep of the field. It was a ride of a lifetime for the Pirates seeking a first ever title since its NCAA debut in 2011.