NCAA Final Four: Letran-San Sebastian rivalry rages on

MANILA, Philippines – Now that the 2013-14 Season is on its homestretch, two weathered teams will try to make it to the last dance as they square off in a dramatic semifinals fixture starting Thursday, November 7. 

Colegio de San Juan de Letran and San Sebastian are no stranger in big games like this so expect old disputes to be revived and rivalries relived in this great matchup.

Letran (14-4) vs San Sebastian (11-7)

In last year’s semifinals, the Knights overcame a twice-to-beat disadvantage San Sebastian had en route to a finals date with eventual champions San Beda Red Lions. This time, though, it will be Letran who will enter the series with the win-once edge but the Stags are waiting in ambush, itching to avenge their untimely Season 88 exit.

Powered by their almost spotless first round, Letran copped the second spot after they finished the eliminations at 14-4. San Sebastian, however, is not far behind with 11 wins in 18 outings.

In the 2012-13 season, Letran won all 4 of their outings with the Stags including their back-to-back victories in the semifinals. The Knights extended it further this season winning twice (74-69 and 75-68) versus their Recto Avenue rivals.

Behind the stellar leadership of this year’s PBA 3^rd overall draft pick Raymond Almazan, the Knights proved their mettle as a legit title contender as they lead the league in offense, scoring almost 73 points per ball game.

Kevin Racal, Rey Nambatac and Mark Cruz provided ample support to their big man to solidify their grasp in one of the final four berths after the eliminations. 

The post-Calvin Abueva Stags, on the other hand, had a shaky Season 89 start but thanks to rookies Jamil Ortouste, Jaymar Perez, and Leo de Vera, San Sebastian just got enough steam to make another post-season appearance.

Players to watch: Raymond Almazan (CDSJL) and Jamil Ortouste (SSC-R)

Now that the PBA draft is over, Almazan can focus on his remaining days wearing a Knights jersey as he will try to get back to the finals and end his collegiate career with no less than a title. He averages an impressing 14 points and 14 boards per game, plus the intimidating factor he gives his squad down low. 

Ortouste, meanwhile, has been one of the frontrunners in the Rookie of the Year race. The Antipolo-native guard has made a 180-degree turn from his injury. He averaged more than 14 points per game in 14 appearances for the Stags.

Expect fireworks as two seasoned teams with a decades-long history of bitter rivalry fight it out in yet another dramatic showdown in the oldest collegiate league in the country. – Rappler.com