LYCEUM of the Philippines University guns for a historic elimination-round sweep, while San Beda College seeks to prevent it as the they face off today in what could be a sneak preview of the finals of the 93rd NCAA basketball tournament at the Filoil Arena in San Juan City.
The Pirates, who have won their first 17 games, are one win away from completing a historic 18-game elimination-round sweep that will catapult them straight to best-of-three finals, while sending the Lions, who own a 16-1 record, at No. 2 where they would need to endure the unpredictability of the stepladder semis.
Gametime is at 2 p.m.
A sweep will be another first of the many breakthroughs accomplished by LPU in what should be the most magical season for them since joining the league six years ago.
“It’s another opportunity for us to inspire others,” said LPU coach Topex Robinson.
LPU is trying to become the first team in recent years to sweep the elimination round since the Lions did the trick seven years ago when the latter won all their 16 games in a nine-team league.
Interestingly, it happened the year before LPU entered the league.
San Beda mentor Boyet Fernandez, however, is bent on spoiling it.
“We have to bring our defensive mentality in the game and limit their players,” said Fernandez, whose charges are on a 15-game streak after losing to LPU, 91-96, in their first-round encounter on July 14.
Meanwhile, San Sebastian (8-9) shoots to clinch at least a playoff for the last spot in the Final Four as it tackles Perpetual Help (4-13) at 4 p.m.
Games today (Filoil Arena, San Juan)
12 nn.- LPU vs SBC (jrs)
2 p.m.- LPU vs SBC (srs)
4 p.m.- SSC-R vs UPHSD (srs)
6 p.m.- SSC-R vs UPHSD (jrs)
