Defense key as San Beda tests mettle of PH U-18

MANILA, Philippines — Pushed to the limit right in the opener, San Beda hopes to improve its game against the Philippine Under-18 Team in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup Wednesday.

The Red Lions, who survived a double overtime thriller last weekend, shoot for back-to-back wins versus the gutsy Under-18 boys at 2:15 p.m. as Cebuano teams University of Visayas and University of San Carlos debut against separate opponents at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

“We need to check a lot of things especially on defense,” San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez said of his four-time NCAA champions.

The UV Green Lancers, the reigning Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) titlist, battle Perpetual Help at 4 p.m., while the USC Warriors clash with Jose Rizal University at 12:30 p.m.

Last Saturday, the Red Lions rallied from 15 points down to forge a 99-96 double overtime triumph over rival Letran Knights in a rematch of last year’s NCAA Finals.

Baser Amer (28 points), Art dela Cruz (21 points and 11 rebounds) and Ola Adeogun (13 points and 12 boards) delivered down the stretch to power the Lions, who plunged into summer basketball action just days after a three-week training in Lithuania.

And the Lions brace for another tough outing as the young Nationals came out strong last Monday where they just lost by a point, 73-74, to Far Eastern University.

The Green Lancers also aim to flash their champion form with point guard John Abad, last season’s Cesafi Finals MVP, and forward Wowie Escosio, Cesafi’s first rookie MVP in 2012.

In other games, FEU and National University tangle in the women’s division at 10:45 a.m., while juniors action pits Mapua and University of Santo Tomas at 5:45 p.m.