“I will do whatever my coach tells me and whenever the team needs me.

San Beda University guns for a spot at the top when it faces Emilio Aguinaldo College in the 94th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament today at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

After surviving strong challenges early on, the Red Lions will battle the Generals in the 4 pm encounter in a bid to clinch their third win and inch closer to leader Lyceum of the Philippines University.

The Red Lions narrowly defeated University of Perpetual Help Dalta System, 67-65, in the opener before surviving College of Saint Benilde, which staged a late-game rally before dropping a 69-75 decision last week.

The Generals, meanwhile, are at the bottom of the heap with all their loses coming in heart-breaking fashions.

That’s why San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez reminded his wards that EAC, bannered by hulking Cameroonian Hamadou Laminou who averages 20 points and 12 rebounds a game, will be a tough nut to crack.

“We’re not expecting an easy game. They have a tall and strong import and important pieces who can easily beat any team,” said Fernandez.

It is also no secret that San Beda appeared vulnerable in its first two outings.

Fortunately, veteran playmaker Robert Bolick is carrying the fight, after erupting for career-high 25 points against the Blazers.

“I will do whatever my coach tells me and whenever the team needs me,” said Bolick, who delayed his Philippine Basketball Association dream to chase one more title in the NCAA.

Arellano University, meanwhile, hopes to ride the crest of its 82-81 overtime victory over San Sebastian College last Friday as it tackles an unpredictable Mapua Institute of Technology side at 2 p.m.

Levi dela Cruz laid claim as the new leader of an Arellano team that lost Kent Salado to a season-ending ACL injury.

“He has a big heart,” said an impressed Arellano mentor Jerry Codinera of his lightning-quick guard who norms 8.7 points, 5.7 assists, three boards and 2.3 steals while providing leadership for the new-look Chiefs.