Lions, Knights renew ‘NC’ rivalry

Finding themselves on opposite ends of the standings this season, San Beda and Letran renew their rivalry today in the 90th NCAA basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Game time is at 4 p.m. with the Red Lions, who hold a 7-1 record, hoping to finish the first round alone on top, even as the Knights are targeting a share of seventh spot.

Save for a slip-up against St. Benilde a couple of weeks ago, the defending champion Lions have been in blistering form this season with almost everyone in the lineup contributing to their cause.

Unable to replicate their brilliant form the last two seasons when they reached the finals, the Knights could be on survival mode early with a 2-6 slate.

But San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez remains wary of the Knights, pointing out that they play with a lot of toughness.

“We can never take them for granted despite their record,” said Fernandez. “From our end, we just want to keep improving.”

Perpetual Help and St. Benilde square off in the 2 p.m. game in a battle that could potentially decide the Final Four aspirations of both teams. Cedelf P. Tupas