By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
LONG-TIME National Collegiate Athletic Association rivals San Beda Red Lions and Letran Knights meet for the second time in Season 94 today in the opening seniors’ game at 2 p.m. at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
Currently at second and third place, respectively, in the standings midway into the race, the Lions (10-1) and Knights (7-3) go for the victory that would help fortify their place in the top half of the pecking order and claim for a Final Four spot in the ongoing season.
The two teams had it tight in their first-round encounter on Aug, 10, with Mendiola-based San Beda edging its Muralla-based rival, 80-76, in overtime.
Robert Bolick and AC Soberano rose for the Lions in extra time to stave off a gallant challenge from the Knights.
Bolick hit two free throws late to ice the game while Soberano scored all of his six points off two triples in OT to propel his team’s push to the victory.
The veteran Bolick had all-around numbers of 20 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and two steals while Cameroonian big man Donald Tankoua had a double-double of 11 points and 13 rebounds.
“I salute him (Soberano). He came in and help us win this game,” said San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez of Soberano’s impact in said game.
“Robert is Robert, he will win us games again and again,” he added.
Heading into today’s game, Mr. Fernandez said they are expecting another tough fight against the Knights.
“We expect it to be tougher for us because we know Letran is a strong team and is always a contender,” he said.
Letran, for its part, did not lack effort in trying to win in the first meeting of the two teams.
Five players finished in double-digits in scoring for the Knights with Bong Quinto tallying a game-high 21 points.
JP Calvo had 14, while Jeo Ambohot, Jerrick Balanza and Christian Fajarito finished with 13, 11, and 10, respectively.
Letran fought hard throughout the contest but just could not hit the mark down the stretch that allowed the Lions the opening it needed to chalk up the win.
Following the San Beda-Letran clash is the battle between the College of St. Benilde Blazers (7-3) and San Sebastian Stags (2-9) at 4 p.m.
BALANZA
Meanwhile, Letran’s Balanza, recently ruled out for the entire season after undergoing brain surgery, was named NCAA player of the week by the league’s press corps, acknowledging the courage and poise he has shown in this trying times.
The Knights also dedicated their 99-82 victory over the Arellano Chiefs on Sept. 6 to their currently sidelined teammate and said Balanza is a source of inspiration for them.
“Jerrick is still part of the team. He has to be away for a while for health reasons but his presence in the dugout and in the practices is still there,” said Letran coach Jeff Napa of Balanza, who finished the opening round of the season with averages of 7.4 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists.
Balanza underwent surgery to remove the tumor in his brain on Sept. 7 and was hailed as a success. He is currently recovering but needs financial assistance to attend to the obligations related to his treatment.
For those who wish to help Balanza, you may deposit your donation at any BDO branch, under the account name of Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Inc., with account number 4500003129 and BDO Intramuros as branch.