San Beda to Face Up in Iloilo in a Goodwill Match

Season 95 of the NCAA was supposed to be a perfect one for the San Beda Red Lions. In fact, they were almost perfect if not to their stunning and yet, a disappointing defeat which unfortunately came at the hands of their archrivals, the Letran Knights during teh NCAA Finals last year. While the San Beda-Letran finals bout was one for the books, that defeat will sting in the minds and hearts of those who will be returning for Season 96. And then, there's Evan Nelle's sudden move from San Beda to La Salle to play for the Green Archers in the UAAP next year. Then, there's the rumor that there were internal problems that were pushing the Red Lions to a deeper hole- a rumor that was immediately shot down by the San Beda management. 

In other words, their championship failure last year made the Red Lions easy targets for numerous rumors then again, things would be different had they won that championship- perhaps completed their perfect season. 

While the Red Lions are still reeling on the surprising move of Nelle to go from red and white to green and white last month, their road to redeeming themselves in the NCAA gets going when they face another team who is also coming of another disappointing exit in the UAAP last year.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, basketball fans in Iloilo will get to see the Red Lions go up against the UP Fighting Maroons as the Red Lions agreed to face the Maroons in a goodwill basketball game at the San Agustin Gym on March 15, 2020. Originally, the Fighting Maroons were slated to face the Southwestern University Cobras until San Beda agreed to take over the Cobras' spot in the said game.

As mentioned, State U, like San Beda, is coming off a disappointing run in Season 82 of the UAAP as they were stunned by the UST Growling Tigers in the step-ladder format playoffs. UP had the twice-to-beat advantage but in the end, the Aldin Ayo-mentored Tigers had one last card in their deck as they pulled off one of the biggest upsets in the history of the UAAP.

San Beda will face a UP side that will be bannered by the former UAAP MVP, Bright Akhuetie, Kobe Paras, Ricci Rivero, and Dave Murrell It was also reported that UP will also bring in some of their new recruits. 

On the other side, the Red Lions will have reigning MVP, Calvin Oftana, James Canlas, John Baho, and the rest of the core from last year's team. 

Photo is from Tiebreaker Times