Mapua takes on the dangerous Pirates; Red Lions to test waters against Chiefs

DEFENDING champion San Beda College eyes a third straight win and a piece of the lead when it tackles Arellano University in the main dish of another doubleheader today in the 87tn National Collegiate Athletic Association basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

A win by the Red Lions will shove them into a three-way logjam for the lead with the Letran Knights and the San Sebastian College Stags, who both sport spotless 3-0 cards.

The Red Lions and the Chiefs tangle at 4 p.m.

The Lions so far have beaten two lightweights in Univesity of Perpetual Help Systemn Dalta Altas, 85-52, and guest squad Lyceum of the Philippines Pirates, 89-69, but faces perhaps a bolder challenge from the Chiefs.

Jake Pascual and Dave Marcelo are again expected to patrol the middle in the absence of injured American Sudan Daniel, while Rome Dela Rosa, who have been averaging 15 points a game, will be relied to score heavily from the outside.

Still, coach Frankie Lim remains wary of the upset-seeking Chiefs.

"On our next practices (after Lyceum), my players have to realize that we have to start strong. We can’t fool around with Arellano. Arellano is capable of beating big teams,” said Lim.

The Chiefs are capable of lighting up the scoreboard with the likes of Rocky Acidre, Andrian Celada, Vergel Zulueta and Prince Caperal.

The Lyceum Pirates, meanwhile, will try to bounce back from two straight losses when they take on the Mapua Cardinals, who have yet to post a win after two games.

The Intramuors neighbors clash at 2 p.m.,

Meanwhile, tournament commissioner Aric del Rosario said a one-game suspension will be meted against Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals' Claude Cubo, who was ejected in the last 7:44 of their game against the Pirates last Friday.

Cubo, who had 16 points points when he was ejected, was called for a flagrant foul after hitting Lyceum center Onofre Napiza in the nape using a closed fist. EAC won the game, 73-67.