SAN BEDA shoots for a share of the lead today when it battles dangerous Jose Rizal even as San Sebastian tries to boost its Final Four push in the 89th NCAA basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
The defending champion Red Lions, coming off a 10-day break, can tie the Letran Knights on top at 9-2 with a victory in the 4 p.m. duel with the Bombers, who are seeking to halt a two-game slide.
San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez said the Lions cannot look past the Bombers, noting that two of the top three teams in the league fell in upsets the past two playdates.
“We cannot afford to relax,” said Fernandez, whose Lions overwhelmed the Bombers, 65-41, in their first-round meeting. “We hope to come out aggressive.”
A rejuvenated San Sebastian squad tries to build on its sensational victory the last time out when it tangles with Arellano in the second game at 6 p.m.
With JRU and San Sebastian sharing fourth spot with 5-5 records and Arellano at eighth spot, just two games behind, today’s schedule could be vital in the Final Four race.
The Chiefs, who dropped an 80-82 heartbreaker to the Perpetual Help Altas last Monday, remain a daunting foe for the Stags as far as SSC coach Topex Robinson is concerned.
“They are a well-coached team under coach Koy and we have to be at our best against them,” said Robinson, whose charges arrested a three-game slump with a 90-69 win over Emilio Aguinaldo College last Thursday.
Robinson hopes to continue to squeeze the best out of guards Jamil Ortuoste and Jovit Dela Cruz, who combined for 52 points in the victory over the Generals.
James Forrester will return to the Chiefs’ lineup after a two-game suspension. In his absence, Keith Agovida stepped up with 17 points in a losing effort against the Altas.
The Stags are gunning for a season sweep of the Chiefs after prevailing in their first round clash, 78-76, behind Ortuoste’s 28 points.