San Beda meets dangerous JRU

MANILA, Philippines — San Beda eyes a three-way tie for the lead as it tangles with Jose Rizal University today in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

But things won’t be easy for the Red Lions in the 12 noon match as the Bombers have won three in a row after losing their first two games.

After beating defending two-time champion Letran, 76-68, last Friday, San Beda saw its opening-day loss to Mapua reversed after the Cardinals were found to have fielded an ineligible player.

The Red Lions now sport a 4-1 record in solo third. College of Saint Benilde and Lyceum of the Philippines University continue to lord it over in the standings with identical 5-1 slates.

Things have changed for the better for JRU, which is determined to rebound from its one-win campaign last season.

The fourth-running Bombers are coming off a 67-64 overtime win over the Cardinals last Friday. But ranged against San Beda, coach Louie Gonzalez hopes to dig deep if JRU wants to pulls off a reversal.

“Siguro yung first eight ko naka-adjust na pero hindi ako makakatagal dito kung wa-walo o si-siyam players lang ang ginagamit ko. I need to ready yung pang-ninth up to 15th man ko,” said Gonzalez.

Red Lions mentor Yuri Escueta is bracing for the Bombers physical brand of play which is their calling card this season.

“We have to be smart against JRU,” said San Beda coach Yuri Escueta.

Perpetual Help and winless Emilio Aguinaldo College meet at 3 p.m.