The Red Lions marched into the second round on a high note after hacking a 69-60 win over Mapua University last Friday to capture their 23rd straight victory.

Reigning champion San Beda University seeks to sustain its sizzling run when it tackles Emilio Aguinaldo University in the second round of Season 95 National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament today at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Action fires off at 12 noon with the Red Lions seeking to stretch their winning streak to 10 against the Generals, who finished last in the first round of the country’s oldest collegiate tournament.

Meanwhile, Lyceum of the Philippines University aims to get back at Arellano University when they collide at 2 p.m. while Letran College wants to repeat its first-round conquest of Jose Rizal University when they clash at 4 p.m.

The Red Lions marched into the second round on a high note after hacking a 69-60 win over Mapua University last Friday to capture their 23rd straight victory.

“I hope the game served as wakeup call to my players,” said San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez, whose wards had some scary moments before running away with the win.

Cardinals remained resilient throughout the game, even gaining 45-44 lead late in the third quarter until Calvin Oftana’s dunk marked a 10-2 run to put the Lions safely ahead, 54-47 lead.

“We’re just lucky we made some stops on the fourth quarter,” said Fernandez.

“I will not expect a straight win in the second round if we’re going to play the way we’re playing today.”

Fernandez had Calvin Oftana to bank on, after tallying a double-double with 24 points and 12 rebounds, as well as James Canlas and Donald Tankoua posting ten markers apiece that lead to their 9-0 mark.

On the other hand, Emilio Aguinaldo College has Jethro Mendoza to count on in a bid to improve their 1-8 win-loss mark.