Lions roarin’ for third win

San Beda College, one of the pre-season favorites, guns for its third win in four outings and keeps pace with league leaders Letran College and Philippine Christian U in the 82nd NCAA basketball wars today at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Riding the crest of an impressive 71-57 win over host College of St. Benilde last Monday, the Mendiola-based dribblers aim for their first back-to-back wins .

The Red Lions will face the unpredictable Mapua Cardinals, a team eager to avenge its recent defeat, in the first seniors’ match at 2 p.m. St. Benilde and San Sebastian College-Recoletos clash in the main game at 4 p.m.

In the lone juniors game at 12 noon, reigning titlist SSC-R Staglets try to keep their record clean as they shoot for win No. 4 against the CSB-La Salle Green Hills Greenies (2-1).

The defending champion Knights sport a clean 3-0 record, followed by the Dolphins (3-1), Red Lions (2-1), Cardinals (1-1), the Perpetual Help DALTA Altas and Blazers (2-1), Stags (1-3) and the Jose Rizal U Heavy Bombers (0-2).

The addition of Nigerian national Samuel Ekwe put the Red Lions among the top contenders this season.

At 6-foot-8, Ekwe has created mismatches, helping San Beda at both ends of the floor. In three games, he’s averaging at least 10 points, 13 rebounds, two assists and a steal, while gaining celebrity status in the country’s oldest collegiate league.

SBC coach Koy Banal admitted that having Ekwe is a big plus in their campaign to end the school’s 27-year title drought. But for them to be successful, the champion mentor said consistent team play is the key.

"If we believe that we can win as a team I think we have a very good chance of achieving our goal. But we have to continue working hard, every game," said Banal, whose team will face a Mapua side that lost to SSC-R last June 28 (76-68).

Aside from Ekwe, Banal will rely on veteran point guard Alexander Angeles, rookie guard JP Escobal, third year forward Yousif Aljamal, big man Jay-R Taganas and ace gunner Rogie Menor.

Equally exciting is the match between SSC-R and St. Benilde, with both teams hoping to avenge their recent defeats. The Blazers bowed to the Lions (71-57), while the Stags lost to the Knights (81-73) last Monday. — Joey Villar