Lions seek Final 4 slot over Chiefs today

Hoping to sustain its fine form, San Beda shoots for a Final Four berth when it clashes with Arellano today in the 88th NCAA basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Arena.

Riding a seven-game winning streak, the Lions are favored to repeat their first round victory over the Chiefs in the 4 p.m. duel.

While the Lions can clinch a postseason appearance with a win, the Chiefs are bidding to stay in contention for a Final Four berth.

Tied with Arellano with a 5-9 win-loss slate, Emilio Aguinaldo College is also seeking to keep its Final Four ambitions alive against an already-eliminated Lyceum team at 6 p.m.

San Beda coach Ronnie Magsanoc wants his squad to continue improving as they brace for tougher challenges ahead.

“Everyone is preparing for each game like it’s the last because every team needs a win,” said Magsanoc.

Arellano will be seeking payback for its first round loss to San Beda, whose suspension-hit lineup proved too strong for the Chiefs. The Lions paraded just six players, mostly rookies, in their July 24 showdown.

Four key players—Chris Cayabyab, Rich Guevarra, Vence Laude and Mark Francisco—have been dropped from the Lyceum lineup for the rest of the season due to academic reasons.

But the Pirates remain dangerous with Dexter Zamora, Shane Ko and Gian Mallari providing the inspiration in the 69-62 upset of Jose Rizal U last Thursday.

The Generals have an uphill climb ahead with games against Letran and JRU in the next two weeks.