source: Francis Santiago | mb.com.ph

Keeping its unblemished record intact and boosting its chances for a twice-to-beat advantage going into the Final Four would be the motivation for San Beda this Wednesday when it squares off with Mapua in the 86th NCAA basketball wars at The Arena in San Juan.

Toting an 11-0 card, the Red Lions battle the Cardinals at 4 p.m. in the hopes of moving closer to the first of two twice-to-beat incentives in the semifinals.

Although they won’t admit it, the Red Lions are eyeing a sweep of the eliminations, a feat that would award them an automatic slot in the best-of-three finals.

But the Cardinals are not going to be easy pickings as they also have a solid agenda in mind: Making the Final Four.

Mapua (7-4) is at solo fourth behind San Beda, defending champion San Sebastian (11-1) and Jose Rizal (9-3) and a win this Wednesday will push the Cardinals away from its closest pursuer, Letran (4-7).

The Knights are not yet out of it all and they are expected to improve on their ranking with a victory over winless Perpetual Help (0-11) in their 2 p.m. encounter.

American Sudan Daniel, a leading MVP contender, is expected to be at the forefront of the Lions’ offensive following his monster performance in San Beda’s win over the Altas last week.

In that game, the 22-year-old Daniel pumped in 10 points, 10 rebounds and 12 blocks in a performance that propelled the Red Lions into their fifth straight semifinal appearance.

Expected to provide resistance are Mark Acosta and TG Guillermo.

The Lions should not take the Cardinals lightly considering their close fight during the first round of eliminations.

The Cardinals nearly scored an upset but they lost steam in the closing minutes en route to a 74-69 win by the Lions.

Even San Beda coach Frankie Lim admitted Mapua will be tough to beat this time especially after seeing the Cardinals beat up Emilio Aguinaldo, 74-66, in the Generals’ last outing.

Games Wednesday (The Arena, San Juan)
10 a.m. — Letran vs Perpetual Help (Jrs)
12 noon — San Beda vs Mapua (Jrs)
2 p.m. — Letran vs Perpetual Help (Srs)
4 p.m. — San Beda vs Mapua (Srs)

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