League Leader Red Lions Battle Stags
A battle royale is expected in the 88th NCAA basketball tournament today when last year’s finalists – three-peat seeking San Beda College and San Sebastian College – clash in what could be another title preview at The Arena in San Juan.
Hostilities blast off at 6 p.m. after Jose Rizal University and Letran collide at 4 p.m.
Today’s playdate was initially scheduled last Thursday, but NCAA officials decided to postpone the games due to non-stop heavy rains that have brought massive flooding in the metropolis and nearby provinces last week.
Last Saturday’s matches were also moved to Thursday as some of the NCAA member schools served as evacuation centers for flood victims.
Raising the curtain in today’s five-game billing are junior teams Arellano University and St. Benilde-La Salle Greenhills at 10 a.m., followed by the JRU Light Bombers versus the Letran Squires at 12 noon.
Reigning juniors champion San Beda Red Cubs and nemesis San Sebastian Staglets square off at 2 p.m., both sporting 7-0 and 8-0 records, respectively.
The Red Lions are enjoying another good run, thus leading the 10-team tournament with a 7-1 mark.
Their latest win was a masterful one as they romped to a 62-37 victory over the JRU Heavy Bombers last Monday.
But they will have to prepare for a tough and tense battle at 6 p.m. with the Stags who are out to redeem themselves following their shocking 64-51 defeat to the Mapua Cardinals last Monday.
Despite its impressive record, San Beda coach Ronnie Magsanoc still sees his team as the underdog in this anticipated matchup because of the presence of SSC’s Big 3 – Calvin Abueva, Ronald Pascual and Ian Sangalang.
“I think their (San Sebastian) best players are ripe for the PBA,” said Magsanoc. “Experience- and talent-wise, they have the edge.”
source: MB Sports
Category:
0 comment(s)