Brushing off their foes in succession, the San Beda Red Lions appear solidly built for another championship run.
The defending champions intend to keep that form going against the hard-luck Perpetual Altas in the NCAA Season 95 men’s basketball tournament on Thursday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
“Our goal is to fortify our position at the top. We have to work as a team and get as many wins as we can,” said San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez.
Already assured of a ticket to the Final Four, the unbeaten Red Lions are looking for win No. 14 opposite the Altas, who have lost eight of their last 11 games.
“We have to stay sharp and focused regardless of who we are facing. Nobody’s invincible here. Any team can beat anybody in this tournament,” Fernandez said.
After reasserting their mastery over the San Sebastian Stags, Fernandez is convinced that the Red Lions have resolved their struggles in the first three games of the second round.
The Lions nearly lost to the Mapua Cardinals while their victories over the Arellano Chiefs and Jose Rizal Heavy Bombers didn’t please Fernandez at all.
Against the Stags, James Canlas and Calvin Oftana showed the efficiency that their coach has been looking for in the team while Donald Tankoua, Evan Nelle, Clint Doliguez and AC Soberano made some positive contributions as well.