Red Lions seek share of lead

Reigning champion San Beda University clashes with rebuilding – but dangerous – Jose Rizal University (JRU) for a chance to gain a share of lead in the 94th National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball tournament today at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

Action fires off at 4 pm with the Red Lions looking to roar for their second straight victory to join rival Lyceum of the Philippines University on top of the team standings.

Meanwhile, host University of Perpetual Help Dalta System guns for its second straight win as it clashes with debuting Arellano University in the first game at 12 noon while Letran College faces Mapua Institute of Technology at 2 pm.

The Lions would be marching as the favored squad as they face the Heavy Bombers, who lost five key players to graduation.

But winning wouldn’t be easy and head coach Boyet Bautista cautioned his wards against complacency, saying that JRU is very much capable of springing a surprise.

“We know that JRU is a rebuilding team, but knowing their coach, Vergel Meneses, you can’t count this team out,” Fernandez said.

Fernandez said they have to perform a notch higher than they way they played against new-look Altas, who gave them a scare, 67-65, in the opening salvo.

“We have to come out strong and play aggressive against JRU,” said Fernandez, who will bank anew on Gilas Pilipinas stalwarts Robert Bolick and Javee Mocon. JBL