Red Lions, Altas try to stay out front

San Beda guard Baser Amer brings down the ball against JRU. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

With teams like Mapua and Jose Rizal making a late push for a Final Four berth, San Beda and Perpetual Help know there’s little room for error from here on in the 91st NCAA basketball tournament.

The pacesetting Red Lions hope to gain some space from the rest of the pack when they clash with the San Sebastian Stags Tuesday at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Altas seek to gain a share of second as they battle the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals in the first game at 2 p.m.

Mapua and JRU forged upset wins last week that tightened the Final Four race.

Losses by both San Beda and Perpetual Help today will further muddle up the battle for postseason spots.

After winning nine of its first 10 games, Letran faded with two losses in a span of one week, putting its Final Four bid in peril.

“It’s a close race so it’s a win or bust,” said San Beda coach Jamike Jarin, whose Lions survived the Lyceum Pirates, 87-80, for their 11th win in 14 games Thursday.

Art dela Cruz continued his stellar play with 25 points in the win over the Pirates.

The Altas are riding high on their 70-47 win over the St. Benilde Blazers Friday where Scottie Thompson dished out his sixth triple double of the season.

Altas coach Aric del Rosario said a win against the league’s bottom team will go a long way in their bid for a fourth straight Final Four appearance.

“We can’t afford to relax at this stage of the season especially with teams like Mapua and JRU catching up,” said Del Rosario.