‘NC’ leaders face cellar teams Monday

San Beda and Arellano try to keep their lofty places in the 90th NCAA basketball tournament today when they tangle with teams languishing in the bottom of the standings at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Tied on top with 8-2 records, the Red Lions and Chiefs clash with the slumping San Sebastian Stags and Mapua Cardinals, respectively.

The Lions are gunning for a repeat of their 81-55 conquest of the Stags in the first round. And the defending champions are heavily favored to deliver another win  in the 2 p.m. clash with the Stags, who are in the midst of an alarming six-game slump.

The Chiefs battle the Cardinals at 4 p.m.

San Beda got off to a positive start in the second round with a narrow 74-69 victory over the Mapua Cardinals.

The game marked the return of Ola Adeogun from a one-game absence as the Nigerian center came up with 19 points and 10 boards to power the Lions.

San Sebastian coach Topex Robinson can take encouragement from the Stags’ 98-101 loss to the Chiefs last Wednesday.

Jamil Ortuoste snapped out of his shooting slump against Arellano with 20 points, which could mean danger for the Lions.

The Chiefs hope to sustain their superb play with guards John Pinto and Jiovani Jalalon leading the charge.

Jalalon hit timely baskets to help the Chiefs overhaul the deficit against the Stags after Keith Agovida had kept Arellano in the game in the third quarter when San Sebastian threatened to pull away.