Red Lions, Bombers out to sustain surge

San Beda and Jose Rizal U seek to close out the first round on a positive note when they clash with separate rivals on Tuesday in the NCAA Season 93 men’s basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Running second behind Lyceum, the Red Lions go up against the dangerous Arellano Chiefs at 4 p.m. in their first meeting since the finals last season won by San Beda via a two-game sweep.

The Heavy Bombers look to continue their surge as they take on the struggling Cardinals of Mapua at 2 p.m.

After a sputtering start, the Bombers have racked up three straight victories, including a 70-60 triumph over San Sebastian last Thursday.

“If we’re playing to our potential, I don’t fear any team in the league,” JRU coach Vergel Meneses said of the Bombers, who are running third at 5-3. “It’s really up to the players if they’re willing to rise to the challenge.”

The Bombers own the league’s stingiest defense, allowing just 62.8 points an outing. Still, Meneses said JRU can’t take Mapua lightly despite its 1-7 record.

“You cannot be overconfident against Mapua. They can play,” Meneses said. “If we don’t do things right, they’re going to beat us.”

The Lions can stay within striking distance of the Pirates with a victory over the Chiefs who snapped their slide by trouncing St. Benilde, 87-81.

The Chiefs’ win also marked the breakout game of rookie guard Levi Dela Cruz, who exploded for 24 points on a 4-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc.

“We have to be ready because they have players who can step up also,” said San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez.

After losing to Lyceum early in the season, San Beda has quietly piled up five straight victories with Robert Bolick and Jayvee Mocon at the forefront of its relentless attack.