Lions seek entry into Final 4 vs Pirates

MANILA, Philippines - San Beda seeks to formalize its stint in the Final Four as it tangles with a Lyceum side fighting to stay in the race in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan today.

Arellano, meanwhile, tries to firm up its hold of second spot against ousted Emilio Aguinaldo College in the second game.

Assured of a playoff for the last semis berth with a pacesetting 12-2 slate, the Red Lions hope to seal their ninth straight Final Four appearance with another victory over the Pirates in their 2 p.m. encounter.

Lyceum, tied with Letran at sixth at 6-8, needs to sweep its last four games to salvage at least a playoff for the last semifinal berth.

But the Pirates will have a lot of adjustments to do to get back at the Red Lions, who dumped them, 84-68, in their first-round faceoff last July 9.

“We’re still in the Final Four hunt, that’s the hope we’re holding on to so we will go all out to win and pray for a miracle,” said Lyceum coach Bonnie Tan. 

Arellano U, for its part, aims to keep its No. 2 spot as it collides with EAC at 4 p.m.

The Chiefs edged the Jose Rizal Bombers, 75-69, to assume solo second with a 10-4 mark. With their form and confidence, they are heavily fancied to get past the Generals, out of it all with a 3-11 mark in a tie with the San Sebastian Stags.