Lions seek semis seat vs Chiefs

MANILA, Philippines - San Beda tries to join San Sebastian in the Final Four as it squares off with Arellano University, a team in dire need of a win to stay in the hunt for the last semis berth in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City today.

The Lions clobbered the Perpetual Help Altas, 96-69, last Friday to firm up their hold of place at 12-1 with a victory in their 4 p.m. showdown with the Chiefs assuring them of spot in the next round alongside the unbeaten Stags.

San Sebastian clinched the first semis seat by beating Mapua, 101-65, last Monday as the Stags picked up their 13th straight win, their longest streak since the 1997 SSC squad swept its way to the championship in 12 games.

The Lions are also on a roll, winning 11 straight games, with the reigning three-peat champions tipped to prevail over the Chiefs and move within two victories from matching the school’s 14-win title romp in 2006.

“The game plan is to always come out aggressive at the start of the game and not give them a chance,” said SBC coach Frankie Lim.

But the Chiefs are expected to pour it all out as they try to remain in the fight for the fourth and last semis slot.

With Jose Rizal U a cinch to clinch the No. 3 semis berth, the last slot is a toss-up between Letran and Arellano U although the Knights (10-4) enjoy a 2 1/2 game advantage over the Chiefs (7-6).

“I keep telling my players there’s still hope and we must keep on fighting,” said Arellano U coach Junjie Ablan.