By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
THE DEFENDING champions San Beda Red Lions seek to keep their unblemished record intact and sweep the first round of the eliminations of National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 95 when they take on the streaking Mapua Cardinals in league action today (Sept. 6) at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.
Set for 2 p.m., the Lions (8-0), who have been channelling the unstoppable at the onset of the tournament, stake their spotless card against the Cardinals (3-5), winners of their last three matches.
Also playing today are the College of Saint Benilde Blazers (6-2) and Letran Knights (5-3) at 12 noon and the San Sebastian Stags (5-3) against the Arellano Chiefs (2-6) at 4 p.m.
San Beda is coming into its match with Mapua off its big 88-57 victory over CSB on Aug. 23.
Calvin Oftana took charge for the Lions in the win, finishing with a career-high 27 points to go along with nine rebounds and two steals.
Guard Evan Nelle, meanwhile, had steady all-around numbers of eight points, six assists, three rebounds and two steals.
Veteran AC Sobrano had 14 points while James Canlas added 11 in a game that the Lions dominated right from the start.
Meanwhile, out to spoil the sweep party for the Lions are the Cardinals, who have steadily turned their season around after opening it with five straight losses.
The last of their victories was over JRU, 83-63, on Aug. 16.
Laurenz Victoria top-scored for Mapua with 24 points, boosted by five triples, with Paolo Hernandez adding 20 points.
“I’m happy we got our third straight win. The players are working hard after a 0-5 start. The players are really responding,” said Mapua coach Randy Alcantara.
