Lions seek semis berth vs Chiefs

Games today 

10 a.m. – LPU vs St. Benilde (jrs)

12nn. – San Beda vs Arellano (jrs)

2 p.m. – LPU vs St. Benilde (srs)

4 p.m. – San Beda vs Arellano (srs)

MANILA, Philippines - San Beda shoots for an automatic Final Four seat and a twice-to-beat edge as it clashes with first round tormentor Arellano University today in the 91st NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

The Lions trounced the Mapua Cardinals, 75-65, last Friday to tie the Letran Knights on 12-4 (win-loss) records but the defending five-peat champions will be hard pressed to get back at the Chiefs, who are also in a must-win to fuel their own semis drive.

Gametime is at 4 p.m.

“If we can get it now, there’s no reason for us to wait so we’ll definitely go for the first chance,” said SBC coach Jamike Jarin, eyeing to seal the Lions 10th straight post-season stint and the coveted twice-to-beat incentive.

The Lions are also hoping to get past the Chiefs and build some momentum heading to their final game against the Knights on Tuesday.

But Arellano is out to duplicate its 88-84 reversal over San Beda in the first round last Aug. 18 and join Perpetual Help and Arellano at third at 11-6 going to the last three elims playdates.

“It’s still in our hands but we have to do our part and win all our games,” said coach Jerry Codiñera of Arellano, which will have ousted Emilio Aguinaldo College as its final opponent on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Lyceum of the Philippines U (4-13) and College of St. Benilde (4-12) collide in a non-bearing contest at 2 p.m.