After a two-week delay, the scheduled best-of-three final series for the NOPSSCEA men’s basketball crown will finally unfold today as the University of St. La Salle Stingers play host to University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos Rams, 5 p.m. at the USLS Coliseum.

The Stingers’ titular campaign will be bannered by their hardworking rookies and a taller lineup while the Rams are expected to give the series-opener their best shot after finishing first runner-up to the West Negros University Mustangs last year.

This year’s USLS – UNO-R championship showdown is reminiscent of the 1998 finals between both teams.

The Stingers and the Rams vied for similar honors 15 years ago at the Bacolod Tay Tung High School Po Hang Gym with USLS winning the crown in a 61-59 squeaker.

Rising up to the challenge of delivering the title this year to USLS is coach Eugene Opuan, who earlier credited his players for working hard in every game.

At the other side will by Rolando “Gerome” Aledron, who will be guiding the Rams towards what they hope to be their first NOPSSCEA men’s basketball title after 14 years. The Rams last won the championship in 1997.

The Stingers lineup this year is composed of Rendel Bernales, Allen Dionela, Mark Anthony Dela Cruz, Daryl Endona, Kevin Villafranca, Nike Montalvo, Janus Calma, Jasper Villacampa, Carl Stephen Antiporda, Gerard Dipol, Dave Gulmatico, Christian Maravilla, Arthuro Teruel III, Scott Heria, and Harvey Eslawa.

For UNO-R, Aledron has in his team John Dayumat, Joemel Paderog, Francis John Parreño, Coleen Jude Testa, Kim Dimaranan, Ritcer Santillan, Mark Anthony Papa, Stefano Ayuco, and Jade Paul Calma.

Game two tomorrow will be played at UNO-R gym, and if necessary, game three will go back to USLS Coliseum on Sunday, still at 5 p.m.*NAB

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