Red Lions, Warriors seek vital victories

RIDING high on impressive wins, San Beda and University of the East continue their drive for a quarterfinal berth when they battle separate rivals today in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup.

Sporting a 3-1 record, the Red Lions battle fellow NCAA squad Arellano in the curtain-raiser at 12:45 p.m., before the Warriors tangle with Lyceum at 2:30 p.m. at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Emilio Aguinaldo College and San Sebastian collide at 4:15 p.m. in a battle of also-ran teams.

The Lions are coming off an 80-76 conquest of Far Eastern U last Saturday, putting them within a victory of nailing a quarterfinals spot in their bracket topped by National U (8-0).

With a core led by athletic swingman James Forrester, the Chiefs sent a strong message early on by opening the tournament with four straight wins, before dropping the next two.

“The Chiefs are doing well,” said San Beda head coach Boyet Fernandez. “They are getting a lot strong play from their veterans.”

The Warriors (4-2) go into the duel with the Chiefs propped up by their recent 85-68 trouncing of University of Santo Tomas.

Presented by Hanes and Vulcaseal/Bostick, the pre-season tournament is also backed by Master Facial Wash, Starmobile, Meralco, and San Mig Coffee, DHL, Nature’s Spring, Reyes BBQ, Banco De Oro, Bayo, Molten, Brother’s Burger, San Marino, Bank of the Philippine Islands, and Bacchus Energy Drink.