NCAA’s new rivalry
N a span of 12 years since 2006, the NCAA always saw the San Beda Red Lions figuring in the finals. This Season 93 was no different even if the boys from Mendiola had to hurdle a tough stepladder semis after a new heavyweight – the Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) Pirates - swept the elimination phase with a record 18-0 card. It was the first time in 12 years that San Beda found itself behind an opponent in the standings.
In those twelve finals appearances, the Bedans faced six teams – Philippine Christian U (2006), Letran (2007, 2012, 2013, 2015), Jose Rizal U (2008), San Sebastian (2009, 2010, 2011), Arellano U (2014, 2016) and LPU (2017). They lost the title-series twice, in 2009 and 2015. The Red Lions, in all these years, have always been regarded as hands-down the most talented and deepest squad in the league.
LPU’s rise to power in the country’s oldest cage league is a fairytale story. Head coach Topex Robinson took over the Pirates’ ship last year and cast the undesirables into the sea. Now he has the team any coach would want, a hard-fighting and determined crew at Robinson’s beck and call. The desired results came swiftly as LPU made waves in the pre-season tournament Fil-Oil Cup, besting several NCAA and UAAP teams and entering the semis. The Pirates almost pulled one over defending UAAP titlist La Salle, but lost in overtime. It became apparent then that they would to be the biggest threat to the Lions’ throne.
It didn’t take long for the Pirates to announce their arrival and eventual take over of Season 93. They met San Beda early in the first round, and shocked the league with a five-point upset of the heavily favored Red Lions. LPU repeated over the defending champs in double OT to complete the historic sweep.
San Beda’s entry into the finals was highly expected, and it’s clash with the new boss in town – LPU – highly anticipated. Fans from all over eagerly awaited the fierce battle in Game 1 of the best-of-three finals that took place last Friday. And both teams did not disappoint. The Pirates, with their vaunted pressing defense and unwavering attack