Big man Donald Tankoua is expected to lead the San Beda University Red Lions once again as they face the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers at 2 p.m. today at the FilOil-Flying V Sports Center.
In their last game, Tankoua played a big factor when the Red Lions endured a late rally to put away the Arellano University Chiefs’ to take a 73-66 win, last Friday in the 95th National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball tournament.
The Red Lions were up by 11 but Arellano rallied to within a point. But Tankoua scored eight straight points from the inside to bring them back up by seven in the closing minutes.
And now, Tankoua is expected to play an important role again when the Red Lions seek their 12th straight victory. And that’s after he finished with 20 points and eight rebounds.
“They rallied back, cutting the lead to just one. But our defense stepped up. Without Donald, we will not win this game. I’m happy he stepped up. I’m sure that the other teams will try to stop him,” said Red Lions coach Boyet Fernandez.
So far, the Red Lions have extended their winning streak to 23 games, including the 11 that they have won this season.
The Heavy Bombers have a 4-7 card in seventh spot.
On the other hand, Arellano Chiefs (2-9) take on the University of Perpetual Help Altas (3-7) at 2 p.m.
In the junior division, the solo-leading San Red Cubs will seek to streak their slate 11 wins in 12 games, in their 10 a.m. clash with the JRU Light Bombers.
