Chiefs, Lions dispute No.1 in Final Four

Games today

12 noon – Mapua vs San Beda (Jrs)

2 p.m. – Jose Rizal vs Perpetual Help (Srs)

4 p.m. – San Beda vs Arellano U (Srs)

MANILA, Philippines - San Beda and Arellano University dispute the top seeding while Jose Rizal U and Perpetual Help clash for No. 3 as the semifinalists resolve the final positions in the 90th NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City today.

After failing to clinch the No. 1 spot following a 96-101 defeat to the Lyceum Pirates last Wednesday, the Chiefs try again as they tangle with the Lions at 4 p.m. Arellano and San Beda wound up tied at 13-5 after the two-round robin elims.

The Altas, who got a free ride to the Final Four after the Letran Knights eliminated the St. Benilde Blazers, 64-57, and the Bombers also ended up with identical 12-6 marks with the winner in the 2 p.m. match facing the loser in the Arellano-San Beda duel in the semis.

The Final Four starts Wednesday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

Arellano and San Beda, however, enjoy twice-to-beat advantage over their would-be rivals in the Final Four.

Arellano U coach Jerry Codiñera said he was disappointed with his wards’ recent loss but remained optimistic of their chances against San Beda, which they beat, 78-76, last Saturday.

“It’s heartbreaking that we were that close to getting the top seeding only to blow it,” said Codiñera. “The good thing about it is that our confidence remains intact despite that defeat to Lyceum.”

For San Beda mentor Boyet Fernandez, their concern is getting out of the slump after dropping their last three games.

“It’s a matter of telling the guys to play aggressive from start to finish,” said Fernandez.

The Bombers, for their part, swept the Altas in the elims but remain wary of the Las Pinas-based squad.