Lions seek share of NC lead vs Aric’s Altas

San Beda seeks to stretch its unbeaten start to three games while Mapua hopes to continue a string of solid performances today when they face separate rivals in the 88th NCAA basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Arena.

The Red Lions clash with the Perpetual Help Altas at 6 p.m. with the two-time defending champions hoping to gain a share of top spot with the Jose Rizal U Bombers, who hold a 3-0 record.

The Cardinals are also hoping to extend their winning streak to three games against the Lyceum Pirates at 4 p.m.

A win by the Cardinals will push them to solo third spot or second if San Beda loses against Perpetual Help.

San Beda is two games away from a complete roster as Nigerian center Ola Adeogun sits out the third of a four-game ban, but the Red Lions have done enough to hurdle their first two assignments behind a balanced offensive.

San Beda coach Ronnie Magsanoc is wary of the Altas, who have shown renewed confidence under veteran coach Aric del Rosario.

“They are a well-coached team,” Magsanoc said of the Altas, who is coming off a 65-80 loss to San Sebastian last week.

Stirring comebacks have become a hallmark of the Cardinals’ campaign so far with their two wins coming after they trailed at halftime. Against the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, the Cardinals overhauled a 13-point halftime deficit to come away with a 67-63 win.

Sophomore Josan Nimes has been at the heart of the Cardinals attack, averaging 21.5 points in their last two games.