MANILA, Philippines — With its attributes of quality bench and that of being a lockdown defender, San Beda has gone 11-0 and now looking well capable of matching its sweep feat nine years ago.
The Lions go for win No. 12 as they clash with the Jose Rizal Heavy Bombers today in the 95th NCAA basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
“It’s a long season so the bench will always be a big factor in one’s campaign,” said San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez.
Eight San Beda players averaging in double figures underscores the depth and firepower of Fernandez’s roster.
The Lions also happen to be the league’s No. 1 defensive team, shackling down their opponents to an average of 61.2 points a game. Next is JRU with 73.5 points.
In a battle between the league’s best defensive teams, San Beda remains the heavy favorite especially as the Lions mangled the Bombers, 74-52, in their first-round encounter on July 12.
Fernandez expects a tough match nonetheless.
“JRU is a tough team and coach Louie has done a great job coaching that team,” said Fernandez, referring to Louie Gonzales, who has already made improvement on the JRU squad which had a mere 3-15 showing last season.
“Again, we will rely on our defense and teamwork if we want to win,” he added.
San Beda is on pace to matching the first sweep in recent memory – a perfect 18-game title run by the Lions nine years ago under now Perpetual coach Frankie Lim.
“Whether its a sweep or not, we just want to win the championship,” said Fernandez.
Meanwhile, Perpetual (3-7) and Arellano U collide at 4 p.m. in a match between two teams fighting for dear life.