SAN Beda is back in the NCAA Finals for 16th time out of 19 straight playoff appearances.
And standing in the Red Lions' way from a 13th title is an all too familiar foe.
READ: Look no further than San Beda to see most consistent collegiate contender
Head coach Yuri Escueta and San Beda will square off with Letran in the best-of-three Season 101 championship series tipping off on Wednesday at Araneta Coliseum.
“Hindi siya magiging madali,” Escueta said candidly, as the archrivals split their elimination round meetings.
“Letran is a tough team. They are good, properly backed by SGA (Strong Group Athletics of Frank Lao). They have a good coaching staff and talented players.”
Escueta actually expected the Knights to be in the title series from the very start, saying, “Before the season started, all-stars team yung Letran eh. And Titing Manalili is very talented.”
Manalili the (marked) man
That's why he will be the first to admit he and the Red Lions are up against a tall task, especially after losing the most recent head-to-head matchup.
READ: Letran braces for all-out war for all the marbles vs San Beda
“Talo kami sa kanila. I think they’re peaking at the right time. Hats off to their coaches. Malakas yung Letran,” he stressed.
“Ang best player ng NCAA ngayon, si Titing Manalili. We have to prepare well for him. And I know they’re gonna give Janti [Miller] a tough time. It's gonna be a dogfight.”
Still, despite the rivalry series being on the finals stage, Escueta said his wards should not be worried about carrying any added weight.
“Wala namang pressure. I just want my players to enjoy and experience that atmosphere. Hindi lahat ng San Beda players at hindi lahat ng Letran players, naka-experience na maglaro sa San Beda–Letran match,” he said.
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