Bombers shoot for last semis slot

Jose Rizal plays St. Benilde today with Letran a keen observer at the sideline since a victory by the Heavy Bombers would mean the end of the Knights’ Final Four bid in the 78th NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

If the Bombers prevail in the 4 p.m. match they will complete the cast in the Final Four among St. Benilde (9-2), defending champion San Sebastian (10-3), giant-killer Philippine Christian University (9-4) and Jose Rizal.

But the leading teams still can’t take it lightly heading into the closing stages of the double-round elims since the top two squads will earn a twice-to-beat advantage in the cross-over semis.

Even if it beats St. Benilde, Jose Rizal could still end up tied with Letran at 8-6 but the Heavy Bombers will still move on to the Final Four under the winner-over-the-other rule. Jose Rizal has won twice over Letran this season.

The Knights carry an even 6-6 win-loss record while the Heavy Bombers sport a 7-4 slate. The only way for Letran to advance to the next round is for it to sweep its last two games and hope that Jose Rizal drops its last three.

The other seniors match between Mapua and San Beda, set at 2 p.m., will have nothing but pride at stake since both teams are already out of contention — the Cardinals with their 5-7 record and the Red Lions with their 1-11 card.