Formidable Lions on prowl for 6th ‘NC’ title

KEEPING a formidable core now armed with plenty of championship experience, all signs seem to be pointing to another romp for the San Beda Red Lions in Season 91 of the NCAA basketball tournament.

But San Beda rookie coach Jamike Jarin was quick to dismiss any notion that the Lions will simply roll to the top.

“This is not a San Beda league,” Jarin asserted. “This is the NCAA. The nine coaches will also be working very hard each game, so anything is possible.”

The Lions have all the tools to extend their reign to a sixth season, but the likes of Perpetual Help, Jose Rizal U and Arellano have set their sights on snapping San Beda’s dominance. Stopping the Lions, who won the Filoil Preseason crown, though is easier said than done.

Ola Adeogun will still be around to patrol the middle while Art dela Cruz and Baser Amer have proven their worth over the past three seasons.

“San Beda is the barometer in this league,” said Lyceum coach Topex Robinson at the press conference launching the season.

Arellano coach Jerry Codiñera echoed Robinson’s sentiment.

“You need more than your A-game against San Beda,” he said.

League MVP Scott Thompson returns for his last year of eligibility for the Altas, joining forces with talented recruit Bright Akhuetie, while the Bombers will also parade a squad hoping to build on a Final Four finish last season.

The Chiefs are also out to prove that last year’s run to the finals was no fluke with Jiovani Jalalon and Dioncee Holts expected to lead the way.