Lions want big win

JAMES Canlas (left) and San Beda are looking for a convincing win in the NCAA. (Joaquin Flores)

After a lackluster performance, San Beda University seeks to regain its killer instinct as it battles San Sebastian College side in Season 95 National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament Tuesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Action fires off at 12 noon with the Red Lions looking to jack up their morale heading into the crucial stretch of the elimination round.

Meanwhile, Letran College clashes with College of Saint Benilde at 2 p.m. while Arellano University faces Mapua University in the 4 p.m. featured encounter.

After roaring to 11 straight wins, the Red Lions showed signs of vulnerability in their 65-47 victory over Jose Rizal University.

In that match, San Beda trailed in the first half before James Canlas and Clint Doliguez stepped on the gas to capture the win.

“We have to improve every game and learn from the lessons that we had during previous games,” said San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez who is looking for another dominant win like their 46-point massacre of University of Perpetual Help Dalta last 16 August en route to a 102-56 win.

“It’s tough motivating the boys when your team is number one in the league without losses.”

Still, Fernandez is counting on Canlas and Calvin Oftana to recreate their 73-59 rout of Golden Stags in the first round last 26 July.

“It will be a hell week for us because we are playing tough teams,” said Fernandez, whose wards will face Perpetual on Thursday and Letran on Tuesday.

“It’s going to be very a tough game against San Sebastian because RK (Ilagan) and (Allyn) Bulanadi stepped up,” he added.