Lions seek to extend run vs Cardinals

San Beda seeks to keep its hold of the lead while Mapua aims to grab a share of it as they collide today even as defending champion Letran tries to rebound against Jose Rizal University in the 92nd NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City

he Lions charged back from 22 points down to beat the Arellano U Chiefs, 101- 86, last Friday and stretch their unbeaten run to six. They, however, brace for a fierce showdown in their 4 p.m. encounter with the Cardinals, who are raring to deal the Mendiola-based school its first loss and seize a piece of the lead.

Davon Potts exploded for leaguebest 31 points, including 11 in the fourth quarter, while Tankoua turned in a double-double effort of 28 points and 14 rebounds with two shot blocks.

But Donald Tankoua and the Lions will have their hands full against the Cardinals, headed by Allwell Oraeme, who normed 17 points and leaguehighs 19.2 rebounds and 3.2 blocks in the early going of the league.

Oraeme dropped 13 points, pulled down 22 caroms, dished off five assists and had five blocks in leading the Cardinals past the San Sebastian Stags, 88-75, also last Friday, with the reigning MVP expected to double up his effort in his highly anticipated showdown with San Beda’s big men.

The Knights, on the other hand, hope to come out of a three-way tie at No. 3 with Arellano U and Perpetual Help (4-2) as it takes on the Heavy Bombers at 2 p.m.

Meanwhile, Perpetual Help and Arellano U pounded out contrasting victories Tuesday to join Letran at third.

Nigerian Bright Akhuetie powered his way to 21 points, hauled down nine rebounds and had four shot blocks as the Altas routed the hapless St. Benilde Blazers, 70- 55, while Lervin Flores churned out a career scoring effort as the Chiefs thwarted the Emilio Aguinaldo Generals, 88-82.

Perpetual’s other Nigerian reinforcement Prince Eze also had 10 points, snared eight rebounds and made two shot blocks.

Earlier, Flores turned in an impressive 20- point, 15- rebound performance to steer the Chiefs back on the winning track.

In the second game, Lyceum of the Phl U banked on Cameroonian rookie Mike Nzeusseu to hold off San Sebastian, 83-79, and notch its third straight victory after losing its first three games. The scores: First Game (Srs) Arellano U 88 – Flores 20, Jalalon 15, Cadavis 12, Alcoriza 10, Salado 7, Nichols 7, Villoria 5, Canete 4, Gumaru 3, Zamora 3, Holts 1, Enriquez 1, Aguilar 0, Meca 0, Gupilan 0.

EAC 82 – Laminou 23, Morada 17, Onwubere 16, King 11, Munsayac 10, Guzman 3, Pascua 1, General 1, Diego 0, Corilla 0, Aguas 0, Estacio 0, Mendoza 0, Serrano 0 Quarterscores: 21-22; 45-36; 62-66; 88-82 Second Game (Srs) LPU 83 – Nzeusseu 26, Baltazar 14, Alanes 10, Ayaay 10, Caduyac 9, Marata 7, Serafico 4, Alban 2, Malabanan 1, Soliman 0, Magbuhos 0

San Sebastian 79 – Costelo 23, Fabian 19, Ilagan 15, Calisaan 10, Mercado 3, Quipse 3, Johnson 2, Serajosef 2, Calma 2, Baetiong 0, Capobres 0, David 0, Gayosa 0, Valdez 0 Quarterscores: 23-24; 48-41; 59-58; 83-79 Third Game (Srs) Perpetual 70 – Akhuetie 21, Dagangon 16, Eze 10, Pido 7, Hao 7, Coronel 6, Dizon 2, Singontiko 1, Sadiwa 0, Gallardo 0, Oliveria 0, Yuhico 0.

St. Benilde 55 – Saavedra 15, JJ Domingo 9, Young 9, Haruna 6, Fajarito 6, Dixon 4, Belgica 3, Castor 2, Pajarillaga 1, San Juan 0, Pasamante 0, Pili 0.

Quarterscores: 15-6, 32-24, 57-39, 70-55