San Sebastian eyes twice-to-beat edge

Defending champion San Sebastian guns for a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four as it takes on Jose Rizal today in a game which could serve as a preview of the finals in the 78th NCAA basketball tournament at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Leading the pack with a 10-3 win-loss slate, the Stags clash with the Bombers, tied with the St. Benilde Blazers and the PCU Dolphins at seconds with identical 9-4 cards, at 4 p.m. The Stags hope to duplicate their 83-75 triumph in their first round meeting.

Meanwhile, Letran, which stunned 2001 champion St. Benilde, 85-80, Monday, takes on Mapua in a non-bearing match at 2 p.m. The Knights and the Cardinals are both out of the running for the semifinals with a 7-6 slate and a 6-7 card, respectively.

Despite its clear advantage in terms of manpower and experience, San Sebastian coach Arturo Valenzona is wary of Jose Rizal with the Heavy Bombers being on a hot streak, winning six of their last seven games.

"Ibang-iba ang Jose Rizal ngayon kaysa nung first round,"said Valenzona. "Kung papansinin mo sila, mas cohesive sila ngayon."

Indeed, the Bombers have improved tremendously with Marco Fajardo, Joel Finuliar, Winsjohn Te and rookie sensation Edward Attunaga taking over on the slots left by top guns Ernani Epondulan, Ariel Capus and Rendell dela Rea.

Only last Monday, Fajardo, Finuliar, Te and Attunaga combined for 59 points in Jose Rizal’s 88-79 bashing of Perpetual Help-Rizal. Fajardo incidentally holds the season record of 43 points a game.

Jose Rizal coach Boy de Vera, however, said their focus is defense, believing the key to beating San Sebastian is stopping the prolific combo of Christian Coronel, Jam Alfad, Paul Reguerra, Leomar Najorda, Roy Falcasantos and Clarke Moore. – Joey Villar