Red Lions set sights on ‘NC’ elims sweep

SAN BEDA shoots for a sweep of the first round when it battles beleaguered Jose Rizal U today in the 92nd NCAA basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

The Red Lions target a ninth straight victory in the 2 p.m. clash with the Heavy Bombers, a Final Four qualifier last year, who have struggled to make an impact this season.

San Beda dumped San Sebastian, 87-77, last Friday, but coach Jamike Jarin was far from satisfied, pointing to the Lions’ 32 turnovers in the game.

“It’s a problem that we need to address,” said Jarin.

The Bombers risk falling further behind in the Final Four race with another defeat and coach Vergel Meneses has called on his players to rise to the challenge after their start to the season has been marked by inconsistent plays.

JRU, which holds a 3-4 record, needs big games from Tey Teodoro and Paolo Pontejos.

Letran and Mapua break their tie at fourth spot when they clash in the 4 p.m. game.

The Knights are fresh from a 72-75 loss to the Lyceum Pirates last Friday in a game where gunner Rey Nambatac caught fire late.

“We need to play as a team and be consistent from start to finish,” said Nambatac.

The Cardinals, who also tote a 5-3 record, will miss CJ Isit for the fourth straight game after the starting point guard sustained a finger injury.