Blazers fight Stags, Knights battle Lions

MANILA, Philippines — St. Benilde tries to stay alone at the top as it tangles with a sputtering San Sebastian even as Letran and San Beda rekindle their age-old rivalry today in NCAA Season 100 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

Unflappable at the helm with a 5-1 mark, the Blazers shoot for another win against the Stags (2-5) in their 11 a.m. showdown that should fortify their hold of the solo lead.

If not, it will allow Letran to snatch a piece of the lead assuming it could survive a familiar foe in San Beda, the reigning titlist, when the two collide at 2:30 p.m.

The Knights are at No. 2 with the Mapua Cardinals on 5-2 slates while the Lions are finding their rhythm and form with a 3-3 slate.

CSB is heavily favored to hurdle SSC-R, which has fallen from grace with a 2-5 record after opening its campaign with two wins in a row.

Allen Liwag and Justine Sanchez should be the Blazers’ battering rams after coming through huge in a 103-78 demolition of the Lyceum of the Philippines U Pirates Friday.

Liwag powered his way to 22 points and 12 rebounds while Sanchez went perfect, making all five shots from the field and eight from the charity line for 18 points.