Games Today
(The Arena, San Juan City)
12 noon – San Sebastian vs Letran (srs)
2 p.m. – Arellano vs Mapua (srs)
4 p.m. – Perpetual vs San Beda (srs)
Perpetual, Arellano get crack at unbeaten leaders.
Powerhouse San Beda and Mapua try to stay on top when they stake their respective unbeaten records against separate rivals today in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.
The Red Lions collide with the University of Perpetual Help Altas at 4 p.m., while the Cardinals clash with the Arellano Chiefs at 2 p.m. in their bid to hike their respective 4-0 win-loss marks.
San Beda remains a strong title contender despite the exit of several key players, but expect Perpetual Help to give the Red Lions a tough match following back-to-back victories over Jose Rizal University (58-50) and San Sebastian (76-61) that put it at 2-1.
The Altas are expected to rely on their inside strength with 6-foot-8 Bright Akhuetie and 6-foot-9 Prince Eze manning the paint. Against San Sebastian, Akhuetie exploded with 20 points and 20 rebounds, while Eze collared nine boards and three blocks.
But the Red Lions boast of a deeper bench and a quicker, well-oiled running team.
Fil-American Davon Potts and Donald Tankoua will be at the forefront of San Beda’s lineup, while captain Dan Sara is set to return after missing their last game due to a fractured finger.
“It will be a big test for us because we all know Perpetual is a good team,” said San Beda coach Jamike Jarin. (Kristel Satumbaga)