Red Lions gun for first Final 4 spot vs Pirates
MANILA, Philippines — Still pumped up after demolishing its fierce rival with plenty to spare, San Beda shoots for the first Final Four berth against Lyceum Wednesday in the 90th NCAA basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
The Red Lions and the Pirates square off at 2 p.m. with San Beda gunning for win No. 13 that will stretch its run of Final Four appearances to nine seasons.
The Mendiola-based school has actually reached the finals in the past eight seasons, winning the crown seven times.
San Beda is coming off its most dominant form yet, clobbering Letran, 73-44, that avenged its first-round loss.
An upset will give the Pirates, who hold a 6-8 record, another lifeline.
Another defeat for Lyceum, though, could mean elimination especially if St. Benilde and Jose Rizal U nail their 10th victories in the next game.
With a 12-2 card, San Beda also has the inside track in the race for one of the top two seeds—and the twice-to-beat bonus in the semifinals—at the end of the eliminations.
Arellano clashes with Emilio Aguinaldo College in the second game at 4 p.m.
The Chiefs are in second spot with a 10-4 record and another win will boost their chances of nailing a twice-to-beat advantage.
There seems to be no end in sight to the Generals’ disappointing run after another lackluster effort saw them bow to the Pirates, 75-91, in their last outing.
With several stars like Jan Jamon ending their collegiate stints this season, coach Gerry Esplana is using the last few games to integrate newcomers like Joshua General to the rotation.
Still, the Generals’ chances will hinge on the form of veterans John Tayongtong and Sydney Onwubere who have taken the cudgels after Happi Noube was sidelined by an injury.
Arellano repulsed Jose Rizal U, 75-69, last Friday in their battle for second.
Dioncee Holts had 22 points and 13 boards for the Chiefs.
“Our mindset is to work hard every game because all the teams in the league cannot be taken for granted,” said the American center.
