DEFENDING champion San Beda stakes its five-game winning streak when it visits University of Perpetual in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 93 seniors basketball tournament today at the Altas’ turf in Las Piñas City.
The Red Lions (6-1 won-lost) will try to stay in the shadow of league-leading Lyceum Pirates (7-1) and stay in strong contention for a twice-to-beat advantage in the semifinals when they take on the Altas at 4 p.m.
The juniors team of both schools, also clash at 2 p.m. in another match in the NCAA on Tour program of the league.
The Altas (3-4) are out to avenge their heartbreaking Final Four defeat to the Red Lions last season.
The Las Piñas-based dribblers were a victory away from the finals with an 87-83 victory that negated the Red Lions’ twice-to-beat advantage. But San Beda came back with a 78-63 victory to reach—and eventually win—the finals.
“It’s still painful and we hope we could beat them [San Beda] this time,” Perpetual Help Coach Jimwell Gican said.
The Altas are expected to ride the momentum of their 68-59 win over the Arellano University Chiefs, last year’s runners up, when they face the Red Lions.
Nigerian Prince Eze is also expected to play with confidence after firing a career-high 23 points he spiked with 21 rebounds and five blocks against the Chiefs.
Gican is confident their defense, one of the best in the league this season, gives them the edge. The Altas have allowed their opponents to only 65.1 points, second only to the Jose Rizal University Bombers’ 64.5.
Interestingly, the Red Lions are No. 3 in the same department by allowing their opponents to score 65.9 points.
“We have to really play defense, that’s our only chance to beat San Beda,” Gican said.