Lions seek q’finals vs hot Blazers

GAMES TODAY
(Filoil Flying V Arena)
12 nn—St. Benilde vs San Beda
1:45 p.m.—Lyceum vs EAC
3:30 p.m.—Letran vs La Salle

SAN BEDA shoots for a quarterfinal berth against an unpredictable St. Benilde even as La Salle tries to rebound against a Letran side fanning its own bid in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup today at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Although his Red Lions are favored, San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez expects to face a more confident Blazers side that just stunned powerhouse Far Eastern University.

“It will be a tough match against St. Benilde,” said Fernandez.

A fifth victory in the 12 noon battle will put the  NCAA champion Lions in the company of Group A quarterfinalists National University (8-0) and Arellano (6-2).

After stringing up five straight victories, the Green Archers hope to regain their winning form against the Knights in their 3:30 p.m. Group B duel.

Lyceum and Emilio Aguinaldo College go for their first win in the other Group B match at 1:45 p.m.

The Archers’ unbeaten run came to an end last Saturday as University of the East pulled off a 60-53 upset.

And the Knights, running fourth with a 4-3 record, hope to do the same with rookie sensation Rey Nambatac at the helm.

The Blazers also try to follow up on their stunning win over the Tamaraws, 81-74, where Paolo Taha dropped 12 of his 19 points in the final quarter.

“I think Paolo realized that he’s a big factor in our team,” said St. Benilde coach Gabby Velasco. “I’m happy he’s been consistently contributing.”