San Beda Eyes Twice-To-Beat, Faces AU

Defending champion San Beda wants to sugar-coat its status in the Final Four as the Red Lions collide with the Arellano Chiefs this Thursday in the 88th NCAA basketball tournament at the Arena in San Juan.

Already assured of a slot in the top four owing to its league-leading 12-2 win-loss slate, a win over the Chiefs today would give the Lions a twice-to-beat advantage, a luxury befitting the top two teams.

San Beda had automatically acquired the first Final Four slot after three squads – Perpetual Help, Letran and Jose Rizal University –  are bunched in a three-way tie for third to fifth spots with identical 9-6 marks.

San Sebastian, which is in hot pursuit of San Beda but is already assured of a playoff for the semis berth, sports an 11-4 card.

Even though San Beda appears to have Arellano’s number as shown by its 81-71 victory in the first round of action, Red Lions taskmaster Ronnie Magsanoc says it is foolish to take the Chiefs for granted since Arellano remains in the running despite the tremendous odds.

“We keep on adjusting and learning from every game. Every game is important for us because it is a preparation for the tougher games ahead,” said Magsanoc after their 92-69 win over Emilio Aguinaldo College last week.

Toting a 5-9 ledger, Arellano, which dropped an 89-58 decision to Perpetual last week, has to win its remaining four matches to keep its hopes alive.

source: MB Sports