With many players starting to show their best games, the San Beda Red Lions will be a confident team when they meet the Mapua University Cardinals at 2 p.m. today at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Going for their ninth straight triumph, the Red Lions will seek a nine-game sweep of their first-round assignment in the 95th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament.
Coach Boyet Fernandez was at first worried with his team when the Red Lions came away with an 88-57 rout of the College of St. Benilde Blazers last August 23.
But their 31-point triumph put an end to his worries, and with two weeks of rest behind them, the Red Lions are expected to come up with another big performance.
“Medyo kinakabahan ako sa magiging reaction namin in the first part. But I’m happy that my players are starting to play well and there are players who are solid coming off the bench. “
Aside from second unit player Calvin Oftana, Fernandez is counting on AC Soberano to have another prolific game. Soberano made 14 points, including four triples in his second straight double-digit outing in their encounter with CSB.
So far, San Beda has claimed its 22nd straight win, including eight straight in the current season.
The Cardinals have a 3-5 win-loss card.
The Blazers (6-2) will meet the Letran Knights (5-3) at 12 noon, while the San Sebastian Stags (5-3) play the Arellano Chiefs at 4 p.m.
In junior action, the San Beda Red Cubs (7-1) will try to solidify their grip on the top spot in their 10 a.m. match against the Malayan Red Robins.
The Arellano Braves (5-3) take on the San Sebastian Staglets at 6 p.m.
