Good team defense will be emphasized again when the defending champion San Beda Red Lions seek their second straight win in the 95th National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball tournament today at the Arena in San Juan.
And this is what the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers will be up against when they clash with the Red Lions at 12 noon today, and seek to bounce back from their 51-82 setback to the San Sebastian Stags last Tuesday.
Later, the Lyceum Pirates will also go for win no. 2 in their 4 p.m. clash with the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals. Later, the Arellano Chiefs will face the Letran Knights at 4 p.m.
In the junior side, the Lyceum Junior Pirates meets the EAC Brigadiers at 6 p.m. to seek win no. 2, along with the San Beda Red Cubs, who take on the JRU Light Bombers at at 8 a.m.
Red Lions coach Boyet Fernandez commended members of the team for their great effort in bringing down the Arellano Chiefs, 59-46, last Sunday.
“James (Canlas)had foul trouble in the first half, but he came back and stepped up while Evan (Nelle) took care of the point guard position. Prince Etrata also came in and played good defense on (Kent) Salado,” said Fernandez.
For the Red Lions, the win was memorable once, now that they won around their 14th straight opening matches.
Donald Tankoua, who had a 13-point, 12-rebound double-double performance, is expected to lead the way again for the Red Lions.
On the other hand, Heavy Bombers new coach Louie Gonzales will expect his crew to put in a big effort against the Red Lions.
He will count on junior recruits, Marwin Dionisio and Stefan Steinl, to help the team get back on its feet.
The Pirates come into the fight in high spirits after their 84-80 win over the Knights.
The Marcelino twins, Jayvee and Jaycee, will again lead the Pirates’ offense, along with Cameroonian big Mike Nzeusseu, who is expected to return from an injury.