Red Lions seek piece of lead vs Stags

10 a.m. – EAC vs Lyceum (jrs)

12 noon  – San Beda vs San Sebastian (jrs)

2 p.m. – EAC vs Lyceum (srs)

4 p.m. – San Beda vs San Sebastian (srs)

MANILA, Philippines - San Beda seeks to chalk up another win and regain a share of the lead with idle Letran as it faces a struggling San Sebastian side today even as Emilio Aguinaldo College tries to bounce back into contention against lowly Lyceum in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

Since bowing to the Knights, 80-93, defeat on July 16, the Red Lions have racked up four wins in row capped by an 88-69 demolition of the Jose Rizal U Bombers last week for a 6-1 record.

A win over the Stags in their 4 p.m. encounter will keep the reigning five-peat champions in step with the Knights, who remained in the lead despite absorbing their first setback via a 69-83 blowout to the EAC Generals last Friday.

San Beda coach Jamike Jarin said the defeat to Letran proved to be a wake up call for the Lions.

“Life is a continuous learning process and that loss to Letran taught us to work and prepare harder,” said Jarin.

Arthur dela Cruz has been dishing out big games, piling up a norm of 21.86 points, 13 rebounds, 6.14 assists and 1.57 steals – all career-highs. He will be pitted against San Sebastian’s Michael Calisaan.

Calisaan, a 6-6 sophomore, came out of nowhere to post career-best norms of 18.38 points and 9.25 boards.

Just less than a week ago, Calisaan dropped a career high 35 points against Lyceum in a 77-70 triumph to help San Sebastian nail its second win against six setbacks.

He ended up with 16 caroms and two blocks.

“I’m ready for any challenge,” said Calisaan.

Meanwhile, the Generals hope to bounce back from their 13-point loss to the Perpetual Help Altas last Tuesday as they take on the Pirates in the 2 p.m. opener, looking to improve their 2-6 mark.