NCAA Season 101 Final Four begins with Perpetual Help vs Letran and San Beda vs St. Benilde

The NCAA Season 101 men's basketball tournament Final Four is underway with best-of-three semifinals, featuring University of Perpetual Help against Letran and San Beda versus St. Benilde.

Perpetual Help, aiming for their first finals appearance in 21 years and a championship in 41 years, faces Letran, who seeks to reclaim the title they won three years ago.

San Beda, the champions from two years ago, are competing against St. Benilde, who are aiming for their second crown.

Despite Perpetual Help having a better elimination round record, Letran holds a psychological edge after defeating them 63-56 in the group stage.

Coaches Olsen Racela of Perpetual Help and Allen Ricardo of Letran emphasize the need for their teams to start from scratch and play with greater intensity in the playoffs.

The semifinal series began at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with Game 2 scheduled for Friday at the MOA Arena and a potential Game 3 on Sunday at the Big Dome.