Lions eye Final 4 playoff vs Cardinals

A CLASH against fierce rival Letran allowed San Beda to rediscover its fiery form.

Red Lions coach Jamike Jarin hopes it stays that way as they tackle the Mapua Cardinals today in the 92nd NCAA men’s basketball at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Game time is at 4 p.m. with the Lions, who hold an 11-2 record, looking to assure themselves of at least a playoff for a Final Four berth with another win over the Cardinals.

Arellano tries to inch closer to a Final Four slot as it battles Perpetual Help at 2 p.m.

The Chiefs are hard-pressed to pick up the victory as an Altas win will forge a tie at second spot. The top two teams at the end of the elimination round earn a twice to beat bonus in the Final Four.

Jio Jalalon will try to make the Chiefs’ offense click against a Perpetual Help team boasting the league’s top defensive unit.

The Chiefs put the clamps on the St. Benilde Blazers in a 70-45 romp last Thursday.

There was a cloud of doubt over the Lions’ ability to cope without center Donald Tankoua, who will miss the remainder of the season after busting his knee two weeks ago.

But the Lions have shown they have enough weapons, splitting their two games without Tankoua, including a morale boosting 83-71 conquest of the Knights last Friday.

“We’re taking it one step at a time, we have to make the Final Four first before we think of anything,” said Jarin, who will miss backup center Junjun Bonsubre due to suspension.