Red Lions, Stags take on tough foes today

MANILA, Philippines—League leader San Beda and San Sebastian take on separate rivals Monday in what is expected to be an explosive double-header in the 86th NCAA basketball tournament at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.   The Lions, on top of the heap with a 13-0 record, gun for a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four when they clash with the Jose Rizal U Bombers at 2 p.m.   The Stags, lurking behind the Lions with a 12-1 card, meet a Mapua squad needing a victory to seal its entry in the Final Four in the main game at 4 p.m.   A Mapua win will finalize the semifinal cast.   The semifinal bonus is a realistic goal for the Lions and the Stags, but San Beda could still clinch an outright Finals berth if they sweep the elimination round.   “We will definitely go out for a win, but it is never going to be easy because we know Jose Rizal is a tough team to beat,” said San Beda coach Frankie Lim, who steered the Lions to back-to-back titles in 2007 and 2008.   Monday’s schedule actually marks the start of a tough three-game stretch for the Lions.   The Lions will also face the in-form Letran Knights, before their duel with the Stags, who defeated San Beda in the finals last year.   San Beda will have skipper Borgie Hermida back for the showdown with the Bombers, who are coming off a convincing 76-50 victory over the Emilio Aguinaldo College last week.   Hermida, averaging 12 points and six assists, missed the last two games due to the flu.