SAN Beda University and Lyceum of the Philippines University shoot for the twice-to-beat incentive in the Final Four as they tackle Arellano University and College of Saint Benilde, respectively, in the 94th National Collegiate Athletic Association seniors basketball tournament on Thursday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
The Red Lions, who lead the standings with a 14-1 (win-loss) record, clash with the Chiefs at 4 p.m., while the Pirates, second with a 14-2 card, tangle with the Blazers at 2 p.m.
“The initial goal is to make the Final Four, which we achieved. The next step is the twice-to-beat advantage, which we are now hoping to get,” San Beda Coach Boyet Fernandez said.
San Beda owns the league’s longest active streak thus far at eight after it demolished Saint Benilde, 77-55, with Robert Bolick doing most of the damage with 19 points.
The defending champions will be playing an opponent that has nothing to lose and everything to gain as the Chiefs are already eliminated from the race but are hoping to improve their 5-10 record.
The Pirates are out to bounce back from a heartbreaking 79-80 defeat to the Letran Knights last Friday that derailed their bid in regaining the top spot.
It was a game that appeared to have gone to overtime after regulation ended with the score knotted at 80-all. But game officials downgraded a three-point shot by Jaycee Marcelino to only two points that cost Lyceum the game.
Lyceum will be playing a Blazers team that is fighting for a Final Four berth.
The Blazers are languishing at fifth spot with an 8-7 card and a loss would send them out of the running.