Lions eye third straight, face Blazers

SAN BEDA looks to tighten its grip on top spot when it battles struggling St. Benilde today in the 88th NCAA basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Lions, picking up their game after yielding to San Sebastian late in the first round, are the heavy favorites in the 6 p.m. duel with the Blazers, who have dropped their last three games.

Arellano hopes to stay within striking distance of a Final Four berth against Emilio Aguinaldo College—a team that is coming off the biggest win in its NCAA existence.

The Chiefs, mounting a late push for a postseason berth, are riding high on an 85-82 upset of Jose Rizal Monday.

The Generals also go into the game on a high after stunning San Sebastian, 77-67, last Saturday. EAC is actually gunning for a third straight victory—its longest win run since joining the league three seasons ago.

San Beda walloped Lyceum, 77-47, last Saturday for its second straight win. The Lions are hoping that point guard Baser Amer continues his stellar play.

Apart from steadying the ship against the Pirates, Amer was also instrumental in the victory over Letran last week with nine points and a season-high 16 assists.

The Blazers will look to Carlo Lastimosa in the hopes of turning their season around. Lastimosa had 23 points in a losing effort against Perpetual Help last Monday.

The Generals will welcome back head coach Gerry Esplana, who served a one-game suspension against the Stags. Also returning are guards Francis Munsayac and Remy Morada.

Igee King starred in the victory against the Stags with a career-best 17 points. Noube Happi will still be counted upon by the Generals, after dishing out 17 points and grabbing 10 boards.