The San Beda College Red Lions have been the top seed entering the NCAA Seniors Basketball Final Four ever since the 82nd season of the league. To put that in perspective, the cagers from Mendiola have finished on top of the elimination round for the last 10 years.
This season, though, the Arellano University Chiefs are currently a full game above last season’s runners-up; the Chiefs sporting a 14-3 slate, while the Red Lions are situated at second with a 13-4 record.
The two contenders will close out the regular season on Friday, September 23, at 4:00pm. And according to the Red Lions, it will be more than just a game.
“It’s a tradition na sa San Beda,” said third year forward Javee Mocon, who had 14 points and 13 rebounds in San Beda’s win over Perpetual, about the importance of taking the top seed away from Arellano.
“We’re facing Arellano, so it’s a big test for us.”
“Coming into the semifinals, parang magiging boost sa amin if we win that game,” the 21-year-old added.
In their first round encounter, the Red Lions needed to rally back in the final frame to turn back Arellano – the one thing the former Red Cub is hoping will not happen again.
“That’s not gonna happen ulit kasi we have to learn our lessons na,” he closed. “We just have to start strong like we did today and throughout the game, consistent kami.”
“We just have to play selfless.”
