Lions, Altas duel for 2nd finals slot

Games Today (Mall of Asia Arena) 1 p.m. – Arellano vs San Beda (Jrs.) 4 p.m. – Perpetual vs San Beda (Srs.) A dogfight is expected between top seed San Beda College and the underdog University of Perpetual Help today as they dispute the other finals berth in a knockout game of the NCAA Final Four at the Mall of Asia Arena. The 4 p.m. do-or-die game was arranged after the Altas stunned the Red Lions, 87-83, through the heroics of Gab Dagangon and the returning Bright Akhuetie. Perpetual’s win not only forced the sudden-death encounter but it also registered its first semifinal victory in 12 years. If the Altas sustain their hot shooting, they will become the first No. 4 team since the 2000 San Sebastian Stags to enter the finals. San Beda, on the other hand, is determined to extend its streak of finals appearance to 11 years. [...]