Staying on the winning track will be the San Beda Red Lions’ goal when they confront the College of St. Benilde Blazers at 12 noon today in the 95th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil-Flying Sports Center in San Juan.
The Red Lions gained more confidence after they got past the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates, 88-73, last Tuesday, for their seventh straight win in as many games in the ongoing tournament.
And coach Boyet Fernandez credits this to the hard work that the Red Lions put in during practice.
“This game is for them, and hopefully, we’ll not stop here. It’s only a game, we have so many games to go,” said Fernandez, as San Beda picked up its 21st straight win.
Against the Pirates, Calvin Oftana had a career-high 20 points on 7-of-10 shooting to go with 12 boards. Donald Tankoua added 19 points and six rebounds and Evan Nelle made 14 points and seven assists.
The Pirates, who fell to 6-2 with their loss to the Red Lions, clash with the Arellano Chiefs at 4 p.m.
The San Sebastian Stags will meet the University of Perpetual Help Altas at 4 p.m., with the Altas welcoming back coach Frankie Lim.
The Blazers, whose winning streak came to an end with their 70-74 loss to the Pirates, will try to weather the Red Lions’ rising game.
In junior action, the Red Cubs will seek their eighth win in nine outings when they play the La Salle Greenhills Greenies at 8 a.m.
The Cubs have extended their winning run with a 99-97 beating of the Junior Pirates, and with Justine Sanchez and Rhayyan Amsali leading with 19 and 18 points.