Lions target solo lead vs Bombers

Games today (The Arena, San Juan)

10 a.m. – San Sebastian vs Mapua (jrs)

12 noon – San Beda vs Jose Rizal (jrs)

2 p.m. – San Sebastian vs Mapua (srs)

4 p.m. – San Beda vs Jose Rizal (srs)

MANILA, Philippines - San Beda hopes to re-assert its mastery over Jose Rizal U as it shoots for the solo lead even as Mapua tries to bolster its semifinal bid against San Sebastian in the 91st NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City today.

The Red Lions blasted the Bombers, 88-69, in their first round meeting and are upbeat of their chances to score a repeat in their 4 p.m. encounter and break off a tie with the Letran Knights for the solo hold of the lead.

But the Bombers are eyeing a payback and at the same time move into joint fourth with the Arellano Chiefs in what is shaping up to be a wild semis race with four other teams closely bunched from No. 3-6.

They include the Perpetual Help Altas (8-3), the Arellano Chiefs (7-4) and Cardinals, in sixth with a 5-5 card but in high spirits heading to their 2 p.m. match with the struggling Stags, in joint seventh with the Lyceum Pirates at 3-8.

Mapua stunned title contender Perpetual Help, 70-65, last week. But the Cardinals will play sans CJ Isit (dislocated elbow) and Andretti Stevens although Josan Nimes is expected to return to action today though in limited minutes.

Meanwhile, Arthur Dela Cruz hopes to sustain his run of MVP-like performances with another heads-up game against the Bombers. The top San Beda gunner has normed 20.36 points (second league best), 12.09 rebounds (fourth) and 6.09 assists (third) in leading the Lions past the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 96-84, and the St. Benilde Blazers, 89-63.

He also shot 29 points and finished with six boards, nine assists and four steals against the Bombers last Aug. 15.

“He’s been having a great season and we hope he keeps it up,” said San Beda coach Jamike Jarin of dela Cruz.

But the Bombers are coming off an inspiring 114-112 double overtime win over the Chiefs last week but must come up with a tough defensive job against the Lions.

“We need to limit them to less than 80 for us to have a chance to beat them,” said Jose Rizal mentor Vergel Meneses.