Lions foil Chiefs, Cards

MANILA, Philippines - Reigning titlist San Beda pulled off a pair of close victories to remain in the hunt for a record nine-peat feat in the 85th NCAA football tournament at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City recently.

The Lions, mentored by Aries Caslib, fended off a fierce challenge put up by the Arellano U Chiefs, one of the two league newcomers, to escape with a 2-1 victory then blanked the Mapua Cardinals, 2-0, to complete a twin romp.

The Mendiola-based booters thus hiked their record to 5-0-1 (win-loss-draw) for a league-best 16 points.

The Lions go for another win against the St. Benilde Blazers next week for a berth in the finals. The Blazers tote a second-best 5-1-1 slate.

In juniors’ action, St. Benilde-La Salle Greenhills turned back a gutsy San Beda side, 3-2, then blasted Mapua, 9-0, to barge into the semis with a 7-0 card.

Perpetual Help holds second place with a 5-1-1 mark.