Lions eye lead share vs Chiefs

MANILA, Philippines - San Beda hopes to sustain its run as it faces Arellano U today, looking for another win and a share of the lead with idle Letran even as Perpetual Help and Jose Rizal try to firm up their semifinal bid in the 91st NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

The Lions, who hiked their record to 7-1 with a 92-81 drubbing of the Sebastian Stags last Thursday, battle the Chiefs at 4 p.m. in the second of two matches featuring four of the top five teams in the fold.

“Our goal is to be in the top two after the first round and we’re close to achieving that,” said San Beda coach Jamike Jarin, hoping to close out their first round campaign on a winning note.

But the Chiefs are out to spoil their bid while bolstering their own drive in what looms to be a tight semis race among six teams.

They include the Altas, who slammed the Emilio Aguinaldo Generals, 68-55, last week to remain at No. 3 with a 6-2 card, who collide with the Bombers at 2 p.m.

Reigning MVP Earl Scottie Thompson and high-scoring Nigerian rookie Bright Akhuetie hope to bounce back from forgettable performances in the last game where they were held to five markers and one point, respectively.

But Prince Eze and Antonio Coronel stepped up and combined for 33 points to save the day for the Las Piñas-based squad.

“It’s one of those times but I expect them to bounce back strong,” said Perpetual Help mentor Aric del Rosario referring to Thompson and Akhuetie.