Lions, Blazers try to stay spotless, keep share of lead

Enjoying its finest start in over two decades, College of Saint Benilde braces for a tough battle with streaking Letran in the 95th NCAA men’s basketball tournament Tuesday at Filoil Flying V Centre.

The Blazers gun for their fifth straight win in the 12 noon showdown with the Knights even as defending champion San Beda also seeks to extend its winning streak to five games against luckless Mapua in the 2 p.m. contest.

Skidding San Sebastian and Arellano University collide to cap another three-game bill at 4 p.m.

The Stags were impressive early only to hit a wall, while the Chiefs are also struggling, making their game important just to regain confidence.

Although Justin Gutang remains a doubtful starter due to a knee injury, St. Benilde has a lot of weapons at its disposal with Unique Naboa, Chris Flores and graduating players Clement Leutcheu and Yankie Haruna to lead the charge.

Letran has an impressive 5-1 record and is at third spot. But the Knights carved out those win the hard way.

“For sure, it’s going to be a close game. Matchup wise, they (Blazers) have the height and they have veteran guys,” Letran coach Bonnie Tan said. “It’s going to be an exciting game, like a championship game.”

Bonbon Batiller, Larry Muyang, Jeo Ambohot, Jerrick Balanza and Ato Ular will be the vital cogs for the Knights, who need a win if only to continue gathering steam for their much-awaited clash with bitter rival San Beda on Saturday.

Idle Lyceum is also crowding the leaders with a 4-1 record, with the Jose Rizal Bombers at 3-3.