Lions face Stags; Altas seek joint 2nd vs Generals

MANILA, Philippines - San Beda tries to firm up its hold of the lead while Perpetual Help hopes to join Letran at second as the semifinal race heats up in the 91st NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan today.

The Lions, who surged back on top following the Knights’ loss to the Jose Rizal U Bombers last Friday, shoot for their 12th win against three losses as they clash with the San Sebastian Stags at 4 p.m. while the Altas aim for win No. 11 against four setback against the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals at 2 p.m.

SSC and EAC are out of the Final Four race with 4-10 and 2-12 cards, respectively.

But three other teams are still in the hunt, ensuring a spirited six-cornered fight for the top four slots in the next round.

Arellano U is just behind at fourth at 10-5 in a tie with a surging Mapua, which has swept its last six games to be among the contenders while JRU’s big 86-80 victory over Letran kept it in the race at 9-6 heading to the last two weeks of the double-round elims.

While the fight for the last two slots is expected to be tight among Arellano, Mapua and JRU, the battle for the top two posts – for twice-to-beat edges in the semis – is also tipped to be fierce among San Beda, Letran and Perpetual.

“It’s practically win or bust for all of the teams still in Final Four contention,” said San Beda coach Jamike Jarin.

Scottie Thompson, meanwhile, is expected to lead Perpetal against EAC again with the reigning MVP coming off a 21-point, 10-rebound and 10-assist effort in the Altas’ 70-47 demolition of the St. Benilde Blazers last Friday.

It was Thompson’s sixth triple-double in the season and ninth career overall.

Thompson, the fifth overall pick by Brgy. Ginebra in this year’s PBA rookie draft, however, is more concern on piling up victories for his team than recording triple-double stats.