Lions seek repeat vs ‘inspired’ Knights

MANILA, Philippines — San Beda tries to match lone tormentor Lyceum of the Phl U’s number of victories as it takes on a surging Letran side today while College of St. Benilde seeks to grab solo third against lowly San Sebastian in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan today.

The Lions needed an extra period to thwart the Muralla-based squad, 80-76, in their first round face-off last Aug. 10 with the former expecting a tougher challenge from the Knights who have been rallying behind an ailing teammate.

“We have dedicated the rest of the season to Jerrick (Balanza), who is our inspiration,” said Letran coach Jeff Napa of his former starter, out of the season after undergoing a surgery to remove a tumor.

But the Lions are also keen on keeping the idle Pirates in sight as they go for their 11th victory against a loss behind Robert Bolick, Donald Tankoua and AC Soberan, who helped anchor the team’s scrambling win the first time out.

“We expect our game against them to be tougher so we really need to double our efforts to beat them again,” said San Beda U coach Boyet Fernandez.

Gametime is at 2 p.m.

The Lions are also expected to neutralize Bong Quinto, who has been carrying the load for the Knights with norms of 15.1 points, 8.5 rebounds and 6.4 assists, along with big men Larry Muyang, Christian Fajarito and Jeo Ambohot.

The Knights trampled the Arellano University Chiefs, 99-82, last Thursday, keeping them in step with the Blazers at 7-3 for third.

But while Letran will need to double its effort to foil San Beda, St. Benilde is heavily favored to get past San Sebastian in their 4 p.m. match.

The Stags actually beat the Blazers in the first round but the league forfeited the win after SSC’s RK Ilagan was found to have played in other leagues. The school suspended the player for three games and the Stags fell to the cellar with the idle Jose Rizal U Bombers at 2-9.