THE Arellano University Chiefs are aware of the winning tradition of the San Beda Red Lions when Game 1 of the the 92nd NCAA basketball tournament’s best-of-three finals begins today at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Historically, the Red Lions have championship experience after reaching the finals for 11 straight seasons.
Chiefs’ coach Jerry Codinera said that with the team coming into the fight prepared, they will do justice to their clash for the crown with the Red Lions when action starts at 3:45 p.m.
Earlier, the San Beda Red Cubs will duel with the Mapua Red Robins at 1 p.m. in the junior finals.
It will be their second finals’ clash in three years, after both teams met for the title in Season 90.
“They have the history. For us, we will work on adjustments and play smart basketball,” said Codinera after they cruised past the Mapua Cardinals, 92-80, on Friday last week to clinch the first finals berth.
AU’s Jio Jalalon, who sprained his ankle in their first Final Four match with Mapua, is expected to be back in shape after the team was able to rest, some six days before Game 1.
In their rubber match, Jalalon led in scoring with 22 points, to go with eight rebounds, nine assists and three steals.
His teammate Dioncee Holts, whose triple with 29.5 remaining won for the Chiefs the game, will be in good shape as well, after being sick with the flu early in the Final Four.
Much is also expected of big man Lervin Flores, who is doing well in the last days of the season, with his career-high 22 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks.
On the other hand, coach Jamike Jarin said the Red Lions will be the underdogs when they take the chance to win back the crown they lost to the Letran Knights last year.
“They (Chiefs) are good. They have the best (players). You lose your six best last year, and your best center during the season, and you still end up in the finals. We’re struggling and we’re the underdogs,” said Jarin after the Red Lions came off with a 78-63 stopping of the University of Perpetual Help Altas in their rubber match.
Jarin said the bench contributed valuable points and minutes, complementing the games of key players like Davon Potts, Robert Bollick Jr. and Javee Mocon.
“The bench players. That’s the beauty of it. They are ready to contribute,” sadded Jarin. Peter Atencio
Games Today
(Game 1 at the Mall of Asia Arena)
1 p.m. San Beda vs Mapua (jrs)
3:45 p.m. San Beda vs Arellano (srs)