As the rest of the pack jockey for better positions, San Beda College faces Arellano University eyeing to clinch a twice-to-beat incentive in the 88th NCAA men's basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
The Red Lions, owners of league-best six-game winning romp, take on the Chiefs at 4 p.m. for a win that would widen their distance from pursuers San Sebastian College, University of Perpetual Help Dalta System, Letran College and Jose Rizal University, while formally claiming the first two twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four.
In the night cap, Emilio Aguinaldo College tries to sustain its flickering hopes when it tangles with also-ran Lyceum of the Philippines University at 6 p.m.
The Lions are leading the 12-team roster with a 12-2 win-loss card followed by the Stags with 11-4. The Altas, Knights and Heavy Bombers, however, figure in a three-way logjam at the third spot with 9-6, making the last few games extra crucial in determining the four semifinalists.
Things are getting rosy for the reigning champions, however.
The last time the Lions bowed met frustration was on Aug. 13 when they yielded a 71-80 decision to the Stags. Since then, San Beda was invincible, winning its next six games with an average of 20.1 points to easily become one of the scariest teams in the collegiate ranks.
Its last three assignments — an 18-point rout of College of Saint Benilde, 74-56; a 30-point blowout of Lyceum of the Philippines University, 77-47; and a 22-point manhandling of Letran, 65-43 — were all done impressively, as if a professional team was running over a bunch of college kids.
But it isn't the mindset of the San Beda coach Ronnie Magsanoc.
"We need to play even harder to be able to reach our peak before the Final Four," said Magsanoc, whose wards were given a scare before notching an 81-71 win over the Chiefs in their previous encounter.
"Arellano is a tough team. I'm sure they will bring their A-game against us."
The Chiefs, toting a 5-9 slate, need to sweep their four remaining assignments to keep their heads above water.
But with San Beda, Lyceum, Saint Benilde and contender Letran standing in the way, advancing to the Final Four seems easier said than done.