SLUMPED to their first defeat in the ongoing National Collegiate Athletic Association season last time around, the defending champions San Beda Red Lions look to rebound when they return to court today against the Arellano Chiefs.
Set to take the floor at 4 p.m. at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City, the Lions try to return on the winning track after bowing to undefeated Lyceum Pirates, 73-66, on Aug. 21.
The Lions stood toe-to-toe against the Pirates in said game but lost step in the closing minutes of the ball game to see the latter book the win and finish the first round of Season 94 with an unblemished 9-0 record.
Donald Tankoua had a monster game of 19 points and 18 rebounds but it was not enough to lift San Beda over Lyceum.
Robert Bolick had 18 points while Javee Mocon and AC Soberano each had 10 points for the Red Lions (6-1).
San Beda hopes to sweep its last two remaining games in the first round to stay within striking distance of the Pirates and create further separation from the chasing pack.
Arellano (3-4), meanwhile, is also gunning for a win after losing to the College of St. Benilde Blazers, 70-62, in its last game.
Adrian Alban leads the Chiefs with 11.7 points per game, followed by Levi Dela Cruz and Rence Alcoriza with 10.9 points each.
Michael Canete is the other Arellano player in double digits with 10.6 points.
Other games today in the penultimate play date in the first round are the Letran Knights (5-3) against the Emilio Aguinaldo Generals (2-6) at 12 noon and St. Benilde (5-3) versus and the Perpetual Help Altas (5-2) at 2 p.m.
The Knights, Blazers, and Altas are all gunning for a victory to fortify their place in the top four of the standings heading into the next round. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo
