Games Monday (The Arena, San Juan)
3:30 p.m. — San Sebastian vs JRU

Jose Rizal University and San Sebastian put everything on the line Monday when they clash for the right to face San Beda in the NCAA basketball finals with the Bombers facing a tougher challenge this time as the Stags’ top gunner returns from a one-game suspension.

The Stags, like the Red Lions, have the twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four, but missed the chance to wrap up the second finals berth right away when they fell prey to the Bombers, 72-65, last Friday, thus forcing a rubber match Monday.

Game time is 3:30 p.m. at The Arena in San Juan City.

The defending three-time champion Lions sealed the first championship berth by ousting the fourth-ranked Letran Knights, 82-76, in the other Final Four pairing last Friday.

Though the Bombers have the momentum on their side, they will have to deal this time with a rejuvenated Stags, who will welcome back Jimbo Aquino to their fold.

The sweet-shooting guard, who norms 19.5 points per game, did not see action last Friday after serving a one-game suspension for a punching foul against San Beda’s Jake Pascual in a KO match for the No. 1 spot in the Final 4 last Wednesday.

SSC coach Ato Agustin admitted they badly missed Aquino last time, saying their offensive thrust lacks a “finisher.”

“Wala kaming go-to-guy,” Agustin said. “We struggled offensively at kinapos kami. We needed him because some of our plays are even designed for him.”

With his return, Agustin expects his team to play more intense and inspired basketball this time.

“I’m sure tataas ang confidence nila dahil nandiyan na yung leader nila,” said the rookie mentor, who is hoping to end the school's six-year title drought.

“If we just lost on a close game last time without Aquino, what more kung nandiyan na siya. He scores between 15 to 20 points a game.”