Lions try to keep 2nd over Bombers Thursday

SAN BEDA and Jose Rizal U put their winning streaks on the line when they collide today in the 91st NCAA basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Red Lions meet the Heavy Bombers at 2 p.m. in the first game of an explosive seniors double-header. Season 90 semifinalists Arellano and Perpetual Help square off at 4.

The Lions, who tote a 5-1 slate, hope to stay within striking distance of the unbeaten Letran Knights. But the Bombers (4-2) can also gain a share of second spot with a victory.

With Art dela Cruz keeping his fine form and Ola Adeogun finally asserting himself, the Lions have gone on to win three straight since taking their only loss of the season to the  Knights.

“We just want to keep our offense rolling and just run as fast as we can,” said San Beda coach Jamike Jarin, whose team is averaging 90.6 points an outing.

But the Bombers are masters of neutralizing opponents, giving up just 64.33 points per outing. And JRU coach Vergel Meneses said slowing the game down will be key.

“If we can slow them down, we’ll have a chance,” said the JRU mentor whose team is also on a three-game winning run.

Tey Teodoro has been instrumental in the Bombers’ turnaround, averaging 23 points in their last two wins.

The Altas have lost two of their last three games as they fell to a share of third with JRU and Arellano. Reigning MVP Earl Scottie Thompson is aching to bounce back from a horrible finish in a recent 81-83 loss to San Beda when he bungled five free throws and committed a crucial turnover in the dying seconds.