Games today:
(Filoil EcoOil Centre)
12 p.m. — Perpetual vs Mapua
3 p.m. — EAC vs San Beda

Stung by a shock defeat the last time out, San Beda University attempts to regain its wits when the Red Lions face Emilio Aguinaldo College in Season 98 National Collegiate Athletic Association basketball tournament today at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

In a clash involving teams coming off losses, the edge goes to the fancied San Beda side that was dealt a 75-72 heartbreaker by University of Perpetual Help System Dalta over the weekend.

The Generals have continued to gripe for form as it sports a dismal 1-11 record.

The Lions are in the thick of contention for a Final our slot with a 6-4 slate and are expected to vent their ire on the listless Generals in the 3 p.m. duel following the 12 p.m. encounter between Perpetual and Mapua.

San Beda head coach Yuri Escueta has left everything behind and is zeroing on avenging their previous defeat.

James Kwekuteye, Peter Alfaro and JB Bahio are expected to join hands in getting the job done.

"Every game in the second round is crucial. We got outworked so we have to fix that. We have to match the energy of EAC," said Escueta, who is in his first year as head coach.

"Peter and JB were great (the last time) but I'm expecting more from the others. We can't just rely on two players."

"I told James to keep taking those open shots. I have no problem with them and everyone's entitled to a bad game day," Escueta added.

EAC will try to draw the best out of Nat Cosejo and Allen Liwag but a win would entail more than just the two combining.