Pirates, Knights clash in KO stepladder semis
LYCEUM of the Philippines University wants a return trip to the finals while Colegio de San Juan de Letran seeks revenge as the two powerhouse teams collide in the knockout stepladder semifinals of Season 95 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) seniors basketball tournament today at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.
The second seed Pirates and the third seed Knights battle at 4 p.m., with the winner advancing to face four-peat seeking San Beda University in the best- of- three finals.
Lyceum emerged No. 2 spot with a 13- 5 record despite losing 62- 85 to San Beda, which completed a sweep that resulted in a stepladder Final Four last October 17.
The Pirates are eager to arrange a third consecutive championship showdown against the three-time champion Red Lions, who swept them twice in the finals.
Lyceum head coach Topex Robinson told his wards to just focus on the task at hand.
“We will give our hundred percent effort on how we will play. We don’t really look ahead.
We’re just focused on what’s in front of us and the opportunity for us to get better,” said Robinson.
Veteran players Jaycee Marcelino, Reymar Caduyac and Cameroonian center Mike Nzeusseu will lead the Pirates’ offense.
On the other hand, Letran advanced after surviving RK Ilagan and San Sebastian College-Recoletos, 85-80, in the stepladder opener last Tuesday.
Seasoned guard Fran Yu came up with clutch plays as the Knights spoiled Ilagan’s 36-point career explosion and rearranged a semifinal clash against the Pirates.
Letran mentor Bonnie Tan is bracing his team for a tough match versus Lyceum that beat them twice in the eliminations and kicked them out of the Final Four last year.
“It’s a tall order, a big challenge for my team. I hope we can pull it through because we’re just one game away from the finals,” said Tan.
Graduating guard Jerrick Balanza as well as fellow veterans Yu, Bonbon Batiller and Larry Muyang will lead the Knights, who are raring to get back to the finals since winning the crown in 2015.