Lions seek NCAA Final 4 slot

SAN BEDA shoots for the first Final Four berth and a twice-to-beat edge when it tangles with Arellano today in the 91st NCAA basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Red Lions are seeking payback for their 84-88 first round defeat to the Chiefs in their 4 p.m. encounter.

But Arellano is also hard-pressed to nail a victory with its semifinal hopes hanging by a thread. The Chiefs looked to have an inside track in the race for a Final Four berth, but they squandered a 10-point lead in the final period in an 81-87 loss to the Letran Knights last Friday.

Although the Lions still have one more game—against the Knights on Tuesday—San Beda coach Jamike Jarin vowed his team will not let the opportunity of making the semifinals early slip.

“We know we have two opportunities but if we can get the chance to get it now, we’ll go for it,” said San Beda coach Jamike Jarin, whose squad will seal a 10th straight Final Four appearance with a win.

Six teams are still in the running for a Final Four berth with Letran (12-4), Perpetual Help and Jose Rizal (11-6), Mapua (10-6) and Arellano (10-6) also in the thick of the fight.

But the Chiefs know they can’t afford another misstep.

“It’s still in our hands but we have to do our part and win all our games,” said Arellano mentor Jerry Codiñera, whose charges take on the Emilio Aguinaldo Generals as their last elimination round assignment on Tuesday.

Lyceum hopes to end the season on a winning note against St. Benilde collide in a nonbearing contest at 2 p.m.