Games today:
(Filoil EcoOil Centre)
1:30 p.m. — San Sebastian vs Arellano
3:30 p.m. — San Beda vs Letran
San Beda University looks to prime up for the Final Four in the end of elimination round match against archrival Letran College in the National Collegiate Athletic Association seniors’ basketball tournament today at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Game time is at 3:30 p.m. following the curtain-raiser between San Sebastian College and Arellano University at 1:30 p.m.
The Red Lions sport an 11-6 win-loss slate and already secured the No. 3 seat in the semifinals whatever the result of the match against the dethroned defending champion.
College of Saint Benilde, which San Beda swept in the elimination round, is at the fourth spot with an 11-7 slate.
The Red Lions are favored to get their way over the Knights, riding the crest of their three-game winning streak.
San Beda defeated its Intramuros-based rival, 68-63, last 6 October in the first round.
But Red Lions head coach Yuri Escueta doesn’t want his players to be complacent as the Knights will be playing without pressure.
“I’m more worried about our next game since it’s going to be against Letran. We’ll prepare for them just like how we trained against the other teams this season,” Escueta said.
“It’s a big deal for the players knowing that the crowd is behind them. It gives them strength and confidence and it gives them more pride to fight for their school.”
Yukien Andrada is expected to lead the charge for the Red Lions after a career-high 26 points in their 74-69 win over Jose Rizal University last Tuesday.
San Beda will face twice-to-beat Lyceum of the Philippines University in the Final Four.
Meanwhile, Letran is at the bottom of the standings with a 2-15 record tied with Arellano.
The Stags, on the other hand, seek to end the season on a winning note to hike their 5-12 record.
