SAN Beda battles unpredictable San Sebastian College today, with the Red Lions out to tighten their hold of second, while St. Benilde and Emilio Aguinaldo College clash, with the winner gaining a spot in the top four of the NCAA Season 99 action at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.
The Lions evaded the upset axe from University of Perpetual Help last Tuesday, escaping with a 62-60 victory that pushed them to No. 2 with a 5-2 record.
The match is set at 4 p.m., with a victory by San Beda sending it closer to pacesetting Mapua. The Stags need to win to boost their 3-5 record.
For the Blazers and Generals, who are currently jammed at No. 5 with identical 4-3 marks, the victor in their 2 p.m. showdown will move up to No. 4.
It would be especially sweet for CSB, the losing finalist last year, as it will reach its highest position this season after a disappointing 1-3 start.
“We’re improving,” said CSB coach Charles Tiu, whose team’s most recent win came at the expense of Arellano U 72-66 last Sunday.
Interestingly, both the Lions and the Blazers went deep with their benches to get those wins.
Tiu had the luxury of benching his starting big men–reigning MVP Will Gozum and Miguel Corteza–late to escape with the win.
For San Beda mentor Yuri Escueta, he drew strength from his second stringers headed by Fil-Canadian Jomel Puno, who provided the Lions shelter with 12 points and 17 rebounds.
“We need our bench to step up,” said Escueta.
