By Ivan Saldajeno
The national champions De La Salle Green Archers will battle for a second straight PCCL pennant, and they need to hurdle the five-peat NCAA champions San Beda Red Lions in the finals series. Here's my take on the national finals.
History: They met twice late last year. The first one was in a charity game which ended in a draw, and the other was in the PCCL semis where the Green Archers completed the unfinished business against the Red Lions.
What Now: La Salle nosed out San Beda in their semifinal clash on November 21, 61-56. Ben Mbala, who was given the green light to join La Salle in the PCCL following the departure of Norbert Torres and Arnold Van Opstal, became the chief anchor of the Green Archers in the paint. He had a near double-double of nine points and 14 rebounds while swatting two blocks.
Key Match-Up: Ben Mbala vs. Ola Adeogun-Obviously, Mbala's match-up with fellow African standout Ola Adeogun will highlight the San Beda-La Salle series. Adeogun continues to be the Red Lions' key player inside. Ola had 11 points, ten rebounds, and a block in their Elite 8 clash. Expect these two centers to go at it at the post.
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