Lions tackle struggling Generals

San Beda tries to firm up its hold of top spot as it battles an Emilio Aguinaldo on the brink of elimination in the 90th NCAA basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Arena.

Gametime is at 2 p.m. with the defending champion Red Lions gunning for their 11th win in 13 games that will put them two victories clear of Arellano and Jose Rizal U.

Letran seeks to stay in the Final Four hunt against San Sebastian at 4 p.m.

Running sixth with a 5-7 record, the Knights need to win their remaining games to stand a chance of making the next round.

Ending a nine-game losing streak will be foremost in the minds of the Stags, whose last victory came  at the expense of St. Benilde last July 11.

The Stags, now at the bottom of the standings after a 73-75 loss to the Mapua Cardinals last Monday, are looking to repeat their 85-83 conquest of the Knights on opening-day.

But Letran has shown improvement in the second round, where it has already won twice, including a 79-70 dumping of the Generals.

San Beda center Ola Adeogun, who has been a revelation in the second round for the Lions, is not looking past the Generals despite their woeful 3-9 card.

“The Final Four is near and we have to continue playing with the playoffs in mind,” said Adeogun who had 28 points and 16 rebounds in the Lions’ 78-54 win over St. Benilde.

Another loss for the Generals could effectively boot them out of the Final Four race.