Red Lions open title defense vs Chiefs

San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez immediately acknowledged the fact that a cloud of uncertainty has enveloped the Red Lions’ bid for a fourth straight title.

“You can never tell. But as long as we continue to play beautiful music together, we’re a team to reckon with,” said Fernandez, whose Lions open their NCAA Season 95 men’s basketball campaign against the Arellano Chiefs on Sunday.

Robert Bolick, the centerpiece of San Beda’s championship run last year, and Finals MVP Javee Mocon already brought their act to the pro league, leaving Fernandez to pin his hopes on remnants of that near-invincible squad.

Impressive during the preseason were James Canlas and Evan Nelle, the tandem that Fernandez hopes to fill the scoring void left by his reliable veterans that engineered the repeat act over the Lyceum Pirates in the finals.

On their last year of eligibility, former MVP Finals Donald Tankoua and Arnaud Noah will be the pillars of the Lions’ aspirations with veterans Calvin Oftana, Clint Doliguez and AC Soberano effectively on call any time.

“It’s going to be a long tournament and we are not looking far ahead. As the saying goes, we’ll take it one game at a time,” Fernandez said.

The battle plan of the Chiefs, this year’s hosts, will be drawn up by coach Cholo Martin, a former Red Lion who has the inside track on his alma mater’s weaknesses.

“Being a former Red Lion myself, I have an idea on how to counter their strengths,” said Martin, who replaced Jerry Codiñera prior to the season.

Returning spitfire Kent Salado, on his final year with the team, will be the anchor of the Chiefs, who will parade transferees Justin Arana, Gelo Sablan and Alfren Gayosa.