Lions, Blazers eye No. 6

MANILA, Philippines — San Beda and St. Benilde both shoot for a sixth victory as they tangle with Perpetual Help and Lyceum of the Philippines University, respectively, today in the 95th NCAA basketball tournament at the Flying V Centre in San Juan.

The Lions downed the Letran Knights, 70-66, Saturday while the Blazers trounced the Arellano Chiefs, 82-77, Tuesday to remain on top with perfect 5-0 (win-loss) records.

The reigning three-peat champions are heavily favored in their 12-noon duel with the Altas who are struggling with a 2-4 card. 

San Beda is expected to wreck defensive havoc on Perpetual being the league’s best in defense, holding its opponents to an average of 59 points.

“It’s always our source of strength and our defense will be crucial if we want to give ourselves a chance this season,” said San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez.

CSB, for its part, could well be in a tough outing with LPU, runner-up in the last two seasons and currently at No. 3 with a 5-1 mark. The Blazers and the Pirates play at 4 p.m.