Red Lions, Chiefs in rematch

Games Today (The Arena, San Juan City) 12 noon – JRU vs Malayan (Jrs) 2 p.m. – JRU vs Mapua (Srs) 4 p.m. – San Beda vs Arellano (Srs) 6 p.m. – San Beda vs Arellano (Jrs)

Reigning champion San Beda and Arellano clash today in a rematch of last year’s finals in the 93rd NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

Touted as a preseason favorite to clinch the No. 1 spot, the Red Lions could only gun for the No. 2 seat in their last match in the first-round of elims.

Match is at 4 p.m. with San Beda expected to bring its full arsenal after winning its last six matches, including a 57-53 triumph over University of Perpetual Help last week.

The Red Lions are at 7-1 behind pacesetter Lyceum Pirates (9-0).

Red Lions coach Boyet Fernandez still boasts of a deeper lineup in Robert Bolick, Javee Mocon, Clint Doliguez, AC Soberano and Donald Tankoua although more effort is expected to strengthen their title-retention campaign.

Bolick has said San Beda shouldn't underestimate the Chiefs' supporting unit despite Arellano banking mainly on Kent Saldo, currently the No. 3 player in league scoring with a 17.1 average.

Just last week, Arellano snapped a four-game losing skid by beating College of St. Benilde, 87-81, behind the careerhigh 24 points of rookie Levi Dela Cruz.

“Kailangan at least eight players are present both in offense and defense. Knowing San Beda’s deep lineup, we need all the support we could get to win,” said Arellano coach Jerry Codiñera, whose team is in the middle standings at 3-5.

In the other game, injury-ravaged Mapua tries to get out of the rut in its 2 p.m. tussle with Jose Rizal University.

The Cardinals hope to end their misfortunes that put them at the bottom with a 1-7 card, while the Heavy Bombers try to cement their hold of the third spot at 5-3.