THE march continues for San Beda when it battles the upstart Mapua Friday in the NCAA Season 95 seniors basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
Already locked up in the top two, the Red Lions now have their sights set on gaining an outright Finals berth, one that comes if they sweep all 18 games in the eliminations.
And this 16th game would inch the boys of coach Boyet Fernandez closer to that goal as they have truly shown great strides amid concerns of being a young team.
Game time is at 2 p.m., with Evan Nelle, James Canlas, and Calvin Oftana raring to keep the unbeaten streak going.
The Cardinals, however, are no easy draw, especially with Paolo Hernandez expected to return to the lineup for this game.
Mapua coach Randy Alcantara has prepared his wards to the best that he can as Laurenz Victoria, Cyril Gonzales, and Noah Lugo all shoot for the upset.
A win would not only send a clear message to the league that the Cardinals are for real, but it would also boost their playoff chances as they currently sit with an even 7-7 record.
Meanwhile, St. Benilde (6-7) hopes to finally end its five-game losing streak when it battles lowly Perpetual (3-10) at 12 p.m.
Lyceum (11-3) also seeks redemption when it meets also-ran Emilio Aguinaldo College (3-11) at 4 p.m., with the Pirates aiming to avenge their shock 84-82 first round defeat to the Generals.