Lions seek solo third vs Blazers

MANILA, Philippines - San Beda and St. Benilde duel for solo third while Mapua and Letran seek a share of fifth place as action in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament resumes today at The Arena in San Juan.

Tied for third with the Arellano U Chiefs with 2-1 (win-loss) slates, the Lions and Blazers slug it out at 2 p.m. with the winner moving within striking distance of joint leaders San Sebastian and Jose Rizal U with 3-0 marks.

“They’re a much-improved team, we just have to play as hard, if not harder, than we did the last time,” said San Beda coach Frankie Lim, of the Blazers, who opened their campaign with back-to-back wins but dropped a 62-75 loss to the Stags last week.

The Letran-Mapua clash remains a tossup.

“They’re struggling but they’re still a tough team to beat, we have to be focused against them,” said Letran coach Louie Alas.

“Letran is always a team to watch out for because of their system and defensive intensity, it’s going to be a hard game for us,” said Mapua mentor Chito Victolero.

The Knights and the Cardinals both bounced back with rousing victories after dropping their first two assignments with the former thumping the Perpetual Help Altas and the latter routing the Angeles University Foundation Great Danes.

Expect Smart Gilas Pilipinas veteran RJ Jazul to star for Letran anew after firing 24 points, five rebounds and five assists while Mark Acosta will be the player to watch for Mapua after dishing out 21 points, seven rebounds and four assists against the Great Danes.