Lions' turn to extend win streak vs Chiefs

MANILA, Philippines - San Beda tries to catch defending champion San Sebastian at the helm as it goes for its sixth straight victory against Arellano U today in the 86th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

The Lions have posted an impressive average winning margin of 24.4 in beating their first five rivals, including a 101-77 rout of the Perpetual Help Altas last week.

That makes the Lions the heavy favorite in their 4 p.m. encounter although the Chiefs are also going all out to post the big upset.

Toting a 2-3 card, Arellano hopes to firm up its hold of fifth spot behind joint third running Mapua and Jose Rizal U.

“We are doing good, we have to continue our roll to prepare for our big game against San Sebastian,” said SBC coach Frankie Lim.

Meanwhile, struggling St. Benilde and Letran, currently in the bottom half with 1-3 and 1-4 slates, respectively, collide at 2 p.m.

San Beda is tipped to use its running game and solid defense anchored on American behemoth Sudan Daniel, who posted the league’s first triple-double of 16 points, 10 rebounds and a league high 10 shot blocks in their last victory.

But Lim said the Lions won’t take the Chiefs lightly.

“We can’t afford to be overconfident against Arellano U, we need to continue working on our execution to make it our strength in each and every game,” said Lim.