The San Beda College Red Lions are gunning to keep their grip on the top spot, while the Mapua Institute of Technology Cardinals will try to snatch a piece, as the two tangle in the clash of the league giants in the 92nd NCAA basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
The Lions battled their way back from a 22-point deficit to devour the Arellano University Chiefs, 101-86, and remain at the helm with a perfect 6-0 (win-loss) record. The Cardinals, however, routed the San Sebastian Stags, 88-75, Friday to stay just a game off the pace with a 5-1 slate.
After their 4:00 p.m. showdown, either one will stay on top or the two of them share the lead.
“It’s going to be tough playing a team like Mapua,” said San Beda coach Jamike Jarin.
Davon Potts has been dishing out clutch performances, including his NCAA best 31-point effort, while Donald Tankoua of Cameroon has been consistently solid as evidenced by his 28-point and 14-rebound performance the last time.
Tankoua will have his hands full against Nigerian Allwell Oraeme, the reigning MVP, whose averages are 17 points and league-best 19.2 rebounds and 3.2 blocks a game.
Oraeme isn’t about to slow down, having come through with 13 points, 22 boards, five assists, and five blocks in their last game.
Meanwhile, defending champions, the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights, aim to come out of a logjam at number three with the Arellano University Chiefs and the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Altas, all on 4-2 slates, as they tackle a dangerous Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers squad that is hungry for a win at 2:00 p.m.
The Knights are coming off a stinging 55-61 defeat to the Altas last Friday, and will try to prevent their first losing streak of the season versus the Bombers, who survived the gritty Emilio Aguinaldo Generals, 60-59, last week.
