Lions, Stags battle separate NCAA foes

MANILA, Philippines—San Beda looks to keep its lofty position today, even as Letran and San Sebastian collide in a battle of Final Four contenders in the 88th NCAA basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The defending champion Lions, with a pacesetting 11-2 card, face Emilio Aguinaldo College at 4 p.m., before the Knights-Stags duel.

The Stags are looking to avenge one of the three losses they suffered so far when they battle the Knights, who hope to vault past Jose Rizal U and crash the Top 4.

Victories today will assure both San Beda and San Sebastian of a playoff berth for a Final Four spot.

The game is also crucial for the Knights (8-6), whose bid for a slot in the postseason got a new lease on life in the second round following the return of center Raymond Almazan.

Letran guard Kevin Alas looks to follow up his 35-point effort against San Sebastian, which will be led by triple-double machine Calvin Abueva.

The do-it-all forward from Pampanga is coming off back-to-back triple-double games with the latest coming against Mapua, which he burned for 21 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists.

But Letran will offer a different challenge for Abueva, who struggled in the first round against the Knights.

Ronald Pascual also hopes to turn in a better performance than the one he came up in their initial duel with the Knights, where he failed to score a single point.