SAN BEDA University tries to solidify its hold of third spot as it plays Arellano University at the resumption Wednesday of the National Collegiate Athletic Association seniors basketball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The Red Lions hope to repeat their emphatic 96-61 win over the Chiefs in the first round in the duel set at 12 noon.
Resurgent Mapua, on the other hand, takes on Jose Rizal University (JRU) in the day’s other game at 3 p.m.
Coming off a 72-64 victory over Emilio Aguinaldo College a week ago, San Beda moved to No. 3 with a 7-4 win-loss record, as Lyceum of the Philippines University lost two straight to drop to fourth at 8-5 won-lost.
The Red Lions hold a one-game lead over the Heavy Bombers (5-4) in the race for the last Final Four slot.
As for the twice-to-beat bonus, San Beda has a lot of catching up to do as it trails defending champion Letran (10-3) by two games.
All the Red Lions are focusing right now is to remain in Final Four range.
With a 5-6 record, Arellano University is two games out of the last Final Four slot and cannot afford to drop more games from now on.
The Chiefs hope follow up their 77-63 conquest of the Pirates, a big morale booster in their bid to make it past the eliminations.
Having won four of the last five games, the Cardinals finally found their rhythm after eight straight defeats as coach Randy Alcantara is still hoping for the best in their bid to make the Final Four.
JRU’s momentum from a five-game winning streak was sorely affected by a long break from health and safety protocols as it lost to league-leading College of Saint Benilde and San Sebastian to crash out of the top four.