Lions seek share of early lead vs Cards

San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez . Ryan Leagogo/INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

THEY finished at opposite ends last season, but four-time champion San Beda still sees a big challenge in Mapua when they tangle in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament Friday.

The Red Lions seek a share of the early lead against the Cardinals, last year’s tailender, at 2 p.m. at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

“We can’t judge a team by how they played in their last game or how they performed last season,” said San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez. “We need to show all our opponents respect by playing hard.”

Last year’s finalist Letran and Lyceum try to rebound from opening-day losses in the first game at 12 noon.

Fernandez knows the Lions need to rely again on the imposing presence of Nigerian center Ola Adeogun, who dominated with 20 points, 14 rebounds, a couple of blocks, two assists and a steal in their 57-49 triumph over Jose Rizal University last Saturday.

“Ola is our source of strength, especially in defense,” said Fernandez.

The San Beda locals came through as well with all-around games led by Kyle Pascual (nine points, eight rebounds), Art dela Cruz (eight points, seven rebounds, five steals, two assists) and Baser Amer (six points, five rebounds, seven assists, three steals).

While the Lions sizzled in the opener, the Cardinals had a woeful start as they absorbed a 34-point beating from Perpetual Help, 57-91, last Monday.

The Cardinals struggled minus top gunner Josan Nimes, who got injured just a few weeks before the season.