Staying sharp, rust-free

By Nelson Beltran
The Philippine Star
Friday, September 21, 2007

San Beda coach Frankie Lim intends to keep his Red Lions sharp by doing skills training and a lot of running to avert in-roads of rust in the six-day break before Game Two of their best-of-three showdown with the Letran Knights for the 2007 NCAA crown.

Taking a break yesterday, the Red Lions are returning to the gym today to start their preparation for the Wednesday showdown where they will try to deliver the coup on the beleaguered Knights.

“We will pour everything Wednesday. We want to end it in Game Two. Anything could happen if we let them reach a third game,” said Lim.

Lim said they try to find ways to counter Letran’s pressing defense, double-team on Pong Escobal and physical play on Sam Ekwe at the paint in Game Two.

“Actually, they’ve been doing that kind of defense. They just tightened it up Wednesday. And obviously, they’re pushing Sam (Ekwe) away with all their might. Some (fouls) are being called by the refs but some are let go,” said Lim.

Lim has reviewed the video of Game One right after the contest with the entire coaching staff mapping out the crucial game plan on Saturday and preparation Monday and Tuesday.

The Lions needed to dig deep in the fourth quarter to overcome the gritty Knights, 76-68, in the series opener.

For the record, five of the last six teams which won the NCAA series opener went on to win the title.

However, Letran was the lone team which survived a 0-1 deficit to salvage the crown. The Knights did it in 2005 against the PCU Dolphins.

Letran coach Louie Alas thought they have overcome the depth of San Beda’s bench with Lim forced to utilize only eight players in Game One.

But Lim said he went for the gambit because of the close encounter.

“Piniga ko lang noong Game One dahil kailangang-kailangan. In Game Two, I will play it depending on what the situation calls for,” said Lim.

But the San Beda mentor gave credit to Alas for the good defensive job put up by Letran.

Letran engaged San Beda in a fiery battle through the first 35 minutes of the game while forcing the Red Lions to commit 22 turnovers.

“We struggled early on while facing Letran’s tight defense,” said Lim.

So efficient was the Knights’ defense they committed less turnovers, 19-26, though pressing throughout the contest.

Alas said they intend to work harder Wednesday, believing that’s the only way to pull the rug from under the favored Lions.