Red Lions Tackle Chiefs, Eye Share Of Lead With Knights And Stags

Defending champion San Beda College eyes a third straight win and a piece of the lead when it tackles Arellano University in the main dish of another doubleheader today in the 87th National Collegiate Athletic Association basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

A win by the Red Lions will shove them into a three-way logjam for the lead with the Letran Knights and the San Sebastian College Stags, who both sport spotless 3-0 cards.

The Red Lions and the Chiefs tangle at 4 p.m. (with live coverage over Studio 23)

The Red Lions so far have beaten two lightweights in Univesity of Perpetual Help Systemn Dalta Altas, 85-52, and guest squad Lyceum of the Philippines Pirates, 89-69, but faces perhaps a bolder challenge from the Chiefs.

Jake Pascual and Dave Marcelo are again expected to patrol the middle in the absence of injured American Sudan Daniel, while Rome Dela Rosa, who have been averaging 15 points a game, will be relied to score heavily from the outside.

Still, coach Frankie Lim remains wary of the upset-seeking Chiefs.

“On our next practices (after Lyceum), my players have to realize that we have to start strong. We can’t fool around with Arellano. Arellano is capable of beating big teams,” said Lim.