THE REIGNING champions San Beda Red Lions and the Letran Knights resume their hunt for the number 2 seed and the twice-to-beat bonus that comes along with it as they take on separate opponents today in the 87th NCAA basketball tournament at the Arena in San Juan City.
The second-running Red Lions, who have a 13-2 (win-loss) record and are coming off an easy 84-75 win over the College of St. Benilde Blazers last Wednesday, take on the overachieving Lyceum Pirates at 2 p.m.
The Knights, who sport a 12-3 record, will try to find a crack in the San Sebastian Stags’ armor when they clash at 4 p.m.
The Red Lions, now a game ahead of the Knights, are heavily favored to roll into their 14th victory against the Pirates, whose 77-73 win against the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals last Sept. 19, gave them their sixth win in 17 games.
A win by the Red Lions will keep them on track for the coveted no. 2 spot, especially if the Knights encounter rough sailing against the Stags.
The Knights fell behind the Red Lions after a shocking 53-68 loss to the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta Altas last Monday and will need to bring their A-game against the well-rested Stags.
The Stags hammered the Blazers, 86-70, last Sept. 9, to pick up their 15th straight victory, matching their longest streak two years ago under Ato Agustin.
They will go for a record-setting 16th win against the Knights.
The Stags beat the Knights in the first round, 71-62.
But the Intramuros-based dribblers are expected to bring it all out as they need this win to stay in track for the no 2 spot. Correspondent Jonas Panerio