The San Beda Red Lions and the Letran Knights had contrasting results that left them tied for the lead in the standings in the 91st NCAA men’s basketball tournament on Tuesday at the Arena in San Juan City.
The Red Lions took care of business as they beat the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 96-84, behind another dominant performance by Blackwater draft pick Art dela Cruz who finished with a career-high 30 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and four steals. The Knights on the other hand, were upset by the San Sebastian Stags, 87-89, no thanks to a lay-up by Ryan Costelo with 9.4 seconds remaining in the match.
The results left the two teams tied with similar 8-2 win-loss records.
Meanwhile, the Perpetual Help Altas try to create a three-way logjam at the top when they do battle with the Mapua Cardinals today at 4 p.m. The Altas, starring reigning league MVP and now-Ginebra draft pick, Scottie Thompson, are currently running second at 7-2 but a win today will complicate matters at the top.
The first game of today’s double-header will feature an intriguing match-up between the third place Arellano University Chiefs, who hold a 6-3 card, and the fourth-running Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, who boast a 5-4 record.