San Beda eyes 5th win

SAN Beda College tries to keep a clean slate, 5-0 win-loss standing, Wednesday as it takes on a listless Perpetual Help in the 86th NCAA basketball tournament in San Juan City.

The Lions earlier dominated over Letran Knights in a 77-60 decision last week to grab its fourth straight victory and seize a share of the lead with the defending champion San Sebastian Stags (4-0).

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Last week’s win also gave San Beda its eighth straight victory over the Knights.

Game time is set at 4 p.m. as multi-titled coach Frankie Lim advised his wards to focus on Wednesday’s game.

“We hope to sustain the momentum and aggressiveness without underestimating Perpetual Help,” said San Beda coach Frankie Lim.

San Beda boasts of an average winning margin of 24.5 points per game since the tournament started in June, a record that has yet to be matched by other teams.

“We’re deeper now, I guess that was the key to our earlier run,” said Lim, who is also Smart Gilas Pilipinas’ team manager.

And to add credit to the Mendiola-based squad, the Accel/Fil-Oil NCAA Press Corps also awarded the Player of the Week honors to sweet-shooting Garvo Lanete.

The 21-year-old exploded for 22 points, five rebounds, two assists and a pair of steals in 30 minutes, a good finish that would really put a scare on other teams.

“He plays good and knows when to step up. He can deliver big shots at any given time, that’s how good this kid is,” said Lim of his prized veteran.

Lanete edged rookie transferee Rocky Acidre of Arellano U Chiefs, Raycon Kabigting of Jose Rizal U Heavy Bombers and San Sebastian’s Calvin Abueva for the weekly citation given by a group of scribes covering the beat.

Meantime, St. Benilde and Emilio Aguinaldo, try to recover from fresh setbacks as the two collide in the first game at 2 p.m.

The Blazers recently lost to a more-equipped Bombers, 65-74, after defeating the Chiefs in a 70-64 decision last July 5.

Just like Perpetual, the Generals are still looking for the elusive first win in the nine-member league.

Games Wednesday (The Arena, San Juan City)

2 p.m.- St. Benilde vs Emilio Aguinaldo College

4 p.m.- Perpetual Help vs San Beda

(Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)