by Joaquin Henson
It was 30 years ago when Ateneo and San Beda played behind closed doors to decide the NCAA senior men’s basketball championship in a game that fans never saw. Today, the Blue Eagles and Red Lions are champions in different leagues but as the saying goes, there can only be one.
On Nov. 23, a group made up of Smart Sports, ABS-CBN Sports, SBP and alumni from both schools is bringing to reality “the game you never saw” and “the game you want to see” in a doubleheader at the PhilSports Arena.
The first contest will feature a reprise of the 1977 NCAA finals and the second, a showdown between this year’s NCAA and UAAP champions.
Patrick Gregorio of Smart Sports said varsity cagers from 1975 to 1980 will comprise the San Beda and Ateneo squads in the opener while this season’s players will see action in the main event.
In 1977, Ateneo and San Beda figured in a best-of-3 series for the NCAA crown. The Eagles drew first blood, 105-99, as Steve Watson fired 47 points. The Lions prevailed, 71-68, in Game 2 that was marred by fan violence. To avoid an escalation of emotions, the NCAA ruled that Game 3 would be played behind closed doors with no fans in the stands. San Beda won, 77-75.
The Lions’ winning coach was Bonnie Carbonnel and his mainstays included Chito Loyzaga, Chuck Barreiro, Jayvee Yango, Louie Brill, Cholo Martin, Frankie Lim and Joel and Noel Guzman. Ateneo was coached by Baby Dalupan and the Eagles included Watson, Joy Carpio, Fritz Gaston, Louie Rabat, Ogie Narvasa, Bambi Kabigting, Maling Estrella and Eu Puyat.
San Beda’s Abe King turned pro the year the Lions won the championship but was invited to reinforce the team in the revival game.
King, who lives in the US, underwent back surgery three months ago but confirmed he’ll be ready to play.
“I will try to do some jogging now so I can at least run up and down the court three times,” he said. “It might turn out to be a comedy. But I’ll be ready to help for a good cause. Count me in.”
King is arriving in Manila next week to attend the PBA Legends USA Foundation’s medical mission on Oct. 25 in Antipolo and Oct. 26 in Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija.
Gregorio said he is arranging for Pong Escobal, who now plays for Talk ‘N’ Text in the PBA, to suit up for the Red Lions as the 6-1 guard was a vital cog in this year’s NCAA title team.
“This won’t be your usual exhibition because the rivalry is still strong,” said Gregorio. “Both schools are out to win. Fans never saw Game 3 of the 1977 finals. Now, after 30 years, we’ll witness what we never saw. As for this year’s champions, this will settle the issue of not only which team is superior but also which league – the UAAP or the NCAA.”
Gregorio said the doubleheader will raise funds for the projects of SBP and the PLDT-Smart Foundation to benefit athletes.
A highlight of the main event is the duel in the middle between Ateneo’s Rabah Al-Hussaini and San Beda’s Sam Ekwe. Other matchups to watch are Ryan Buenafe versus Ogie Menor, Nonoy Baclao versus Jake Pascual, Chris Tiu versus Escobal and Jai Reyes versus Borgie Hermida.
Gaston said he’s looking forward to the revival game. “It’s an excellent preliminary to the game between the current champs,” said Gaston. “This match has a very rich history, not to mention animosity and fierce rivalry. Ateneo was going for a three-peat and San Beda was out to win after losing the year before. This was Ateneo’s last year in the NCAA. San Beda wanted to spoil our going away party. It was the first closed door championship game ever.”
Gaston said despite the age factor, the 1977 Ateneo team should be competitive.
“Barring scars from PBA days, Steve, Joy, Padim and I should be able to play,” continued Gaston. “We’re slower but the skills should still be there. San Beda will have Frankie, Mike (Advani), Chito, Abe and Jayvee.”
Gregorio said the twinbill is the realization of an impossible dream.
Suggested ticket prices will likely range from P500 for patron seats and P100 for the bleachers. The seating capacity at the PhilSports Arena is 8,900.
Gregorio said he is coordinating with Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) chairman Rey Gamboa to avoid conflict in schedule. The PCCL opens hostilities on Nov. 24 with neither San Beda nor Ateneo playing.
San Beda president Fr. Matt de Jesus has pledged his all-out support for the project, said Gregorio. The organizing committee is composed of Gregorio, Art Aro, Anton Almeda of Smart Sports, Jojo Garcia and Jenny Jimenez of ABS-CBN Sports, SBP executive director Noli Eala, Gaston, coach Bong Go, King, Lim and Loyzaga.
The commissioner for the event is Bernie Atienza with Perry Martinez as head of the technical committee. Advisers are PLDT chairman Manny Pangilinan, Fr. de Jesus and Ateneo’s Ricky Palou.
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