Games today (Filoil Flying V Centre, San Juan)
12 noon – EAC vs Perpetual
2 p.m. – Letran vs San Beda/ 4 p.m. – LPU vs Mapua
MANILA, Philippines — San Beda shoots for win No. 15 and tries to move closer to sweeping the elimination round that will send it straight to the finals when it tangles with arch-rival Letran today in the 95th NCAA basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
The Lions are on a historic run after snaring their 14th victory in row, a 75-62 dumping of the Perpetual Help Altas last Thursday. A win over the Knights in their duel at 2 p.m. will move them three wins away from booking an outright finals spot.
Even though San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez refuses to admit it, there is nothing to shoot for but a sweep since his team is already assured of a Final Four spot and a twice-to-beat incentive.
“We need to win two out of our four remaining games to secure the No. 1 spot. We will discuss the situation after we win two more,” said Fernandez.
Interestingly, the last team that ever swept the elimination round, Lyceum, was swept in two games by San Beda in the finals.
It is probably the reason Fernandez is trying to downplay their chances.
“Our last four games will be tough as it will be against Final Four contenders,” said Fernandez, who will face Mapua (7-6), St. Benilde (6-7) and LPU (10-3) after Letran. “It will be an acid test for the whole team especially the younger guys.”
And of course, Letran is not an easy prey as the Muralla-based school is currently at third with a 9-5 (win-loss) record and will have a legitimate chance of still making it to the top two and the important twice-to-beat edge.
Meanwhile, LPU looks to keep its place at second while Mapua guns for solo fourth when they collide at 4 p.m.