San Sebastian tries to avoid repeat of 2009 result vs Letran

League-leading San Sebastian will try to avoid a similar result when it faced Letran two years ago in the NCAA men's basketball tournament.

Back in the 2009 season, the Stags are also undefeated after 15 games but the Knights ended that winning streak with an 80-63 decision in the second round. The Recto-based squad will be facing the same scenario on Friday as they try to clinch their 16th win against the Knights in the NCAA's 87th season at The Arena in San Juan City. Will history repeat itself? San Sebastian coach Topex Robinson certainly believes that Letran can beat the Stags, who will face guest team Lyceum on October 5 before ending the elimination round against defending champion San Beda. "Letran is playing great basketball this season and it's another great challenge for us," said Robinson. "We have to accept that all teams will play us hard." The Stags expect a tough match-up against a hungry Knights squad who dropped a 68-53 decision against University of Perpetual Help System DALTA last Monday a loss that ended their eight-game winning streak. The Knights (12-3) hope to vent their ire on the Stags as that loss against the lowly Altas dropped them to third place behind San Beda (13-2). In the first game, San Beda faces Lyceum at 2 p.m. in a warm-up match before ending its elimination round campaign against Letran and San Sebastian. "We are looking forward to our match against Letran and San Sebastian but we still have to hurdle Lyceum first," said Red Lions coach Frankie Lim. The Red Lions took advantage of Letran's loss to Perpetual Help and climbed to second place after an 84-75 decision opposite College of Saint Benilde Wednesday. The Pirates (6-9) are still in Final Four contention but will still face San Sebastian before closing the elimination round against the Blazers, another team hoping to clinch the last semis berth. "We are not thinking about the Final Four ever since we started the season. We just wanted to avoid the last place position. If we get lucky and have a chance, will grab the opportunity but we just want a good finish to our season," said Lyceum coach Bonnie Tan. — Reuben Terrado/JVP, GMA News