BY ABBY TORALBA
ENDING the eliminations with a big win that will give San Beda University a big boost in the Final Four.
That’s what the Red Lions intend to do when they face the also-ran Letran Knights today as the curtains fall on the eliminations of the 99th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
The game is set at 3:30 p.m. after eliminated teams San Sebastian College and Arellano University try to end their seasons on a high at 1:30.
San Beda whipped Lyceum 74-56 last Tuesday for its straight win.
The Lions will battle the No. 2 and twice-to-beat Pirates in the semifinals.
Top seed Mapua University, also armed with a win-once bonus, will take on No. 4 College of St. Benilde.
San Beda coach Yuri Escueta is counting on upstart big man Yukien Andrada to keep his steady showing for the team.
“It’s not a secret naman talaga. Yuki is as valuable as Jacob is in our team and that trust came from his teammates, came from himself, came from the hard work he did during the offseason so no surprise nga na he’s been playing well” Escueta said of the 6-foot-5 Andrada.
The Knights will fight for pride and bragging rights after a disappointing campaign.
Holding a 2-15 slate, Letran also likes to give graduating guard Kurt Reysona a fitting send-off despite nursing a hamstring injury.
The Golden Stags hold a 5-12 record, while the Chiefs carry a 2-15 record.
