Lions under pressure to extend run vs Cards

MANILA, Philippines - San Beda tries to stretch its win run to 12 as it collides with a tough Mapua side today in what could be a preview of their probable Final Four showdown in the 86th NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

The red-hot Lions have racked up 11 straight victories, majority in lopsided fashions, including a 92-61 rout of the winless Perpetual Help Altas last week.

But the Cardinals are no pushovers with the Muralla-based squad going all out not only to deal the Lions their first loss but also to firm up their bid for the fourth and last semifinal berth.

With a 7-4 (win-loss) slate, Mapua is three games ahead of Letran (4-7), its closest rival for the fourth Final Four slot.

“Mapua has great defense, they have the size to match up with us,” said San Beda coach Frankie Lim. “This is the reason why we had a hard time beating them in the first round.”

The Lions struggled to post a 69-64 win over Mapua in their first round meeting.

“They have good shooters we have to cover and worry about. We want to continue our roll and we cannot afford to be complacent,” said Lim.

Mapua mentor Chito Victolero said the only way to beat San Beda is by playing tough on both ends of the court.

Letran, meanwhile, hopes to chalk up another win as it plays Perpetual Help (0-11) at 2 p.m..