San Beda University and Lyceum of the Philippines University will look to clinch the last finals spot when they clash in a do-or-die encounter on Friday in Game 2 of their semifinals series in NCAA Season 99.
The sizzling Red Lions and the hungry Pirates will square off at 3 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum with the winner setting up a best-of-three championship duel with top seed Mapua University.
San Beda was nothing short of dominant in their previous meeting last Tuesday.
Despite not holding the twice-to-beat advantage, the Mendiola crew asserted its superiority right off the bat and never looked back to extend their life in the tournament and drag the second seed Lyceum to a sudden death.
Jacob Cortez was at the forefront for the boys of head coach Yuri Escueta, unleashing a new career-high of 28 points on top of eight assists, four rebounds, and three steals, more than enough to power their 89-68 victory.
However, the Red Lions won't rest on their laurels when they meet the Pirates anew as the latter would want to end their curse against San Beda.
In the past, San Beda proved to be the kryptonite for Lyceum after the Red Lions defeated Lyceum both in Season 93 and 94 finals.
"Siyempre happy, buhay pa kami, but now, focus na kami sa next game, Do-or-die game. We're gonna make adjustments but it's important na focus kami," said the third year Cortez.
Pirates team captain Enoch Valdez, meanwhile, vowed to remind his teammates to regroup being the only holdover from the last Lyceum squad that made the NCAA finals.
The graduating ace said they need to put the clamps on Cortez, who was the main target of their defense back in Game 1 but still feasted on them with four triples.
"Siguro kailangan lang namin mag-regroup. Kailangan lang namin ng bonding," Valdez said.
"Siya ‘yung ini-scout namin, hindi ko alam anong nangyari. Ayon pala nag-score na siya ng 28. Wala, hindi talaga kami mananalo kasi siya dapat ‘yung i-stop namin."
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
