Games on Wednesday (The Arena)
10 a.m. — AUF vs JRU (Jrs)
11:45 a.m. — CSB vs SBC (Jrs)
2 p.m. — AUF vs JRU (Srs)
4 p.m. — CSB vs SBC (Srs)

The race for two twice-to-beat privileges in the Final Four further heats up on Wednesday as defending three-time champion San Beda College and Jose Rizal University go for their 14th wins when they meet separate rivals in the 85th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

The Red Lions battle the already ousted College of St. Benilde Blazers (5-10) at 4 p.m. shortly after the Heavy Bombers take the Angeles University Foundation Great Danes (1-14) at 2 p.m.

Both the Lions and the Bombers are expected to have a smooth voyage owing to their dominating victories over the same rivals in the first round. The Lions demolished the Blazers, 86-66, last July 13 while the Bombers, last year’s runner-up, crushed the Danes, 82-53.

San Beda and Jose Rizal are tied at second with similar 13-2 cards, and victories by both squads will tighten the race for the second Final Four bonus.

San Sebastian College remains on top of standings with an immaculate 15-0 record. They blew away the Arellano University Chiefs, 100-66, the other day.

With the win, the Stags broke the league’s record for consecutive wins of 14 posted by San Beda in 2006, the same year it won the first of their three straight titles.

The Bombers are expected to come out fiercer than ever today following their rousing 77-64 win over the Lions last Wednesday. Their win the last time out ended San Beda’s 12 game winning run.

In that game, Marc Cagoco led the Bombers with 19 points while leading MVP candidate John Wilson managed 11 points, three boards, two assists, and two steals despite being under the weather.

“We hope to sustain this kind of showing in our remaining three games to get a shot at the twice-to-beat incentive,” JRU coach Ariel Vanguardia, who is hoping to end a long 37-year title drought, said.

“Our goal right now is to finish in the top two to get the bonus.”