Streaking Stags seek lead

Title contender San Sebastian shoots for the solo lead in a bid to move closer to a Final Four berth as it takes on host Perpetual Help today in the 80th NCAA basketball tournament at the Makati Coliseum.

Tied with the defending champion Letran Knights atop the heap on 7-3 (win-loss) slates, the Stags clash with the Altas at 2 p.m., seeking a victory that will net them solo first place -- a win away from clinching the first semifinal slot.

San Sebastian is also eyeing to extend its amazing run to five against a Perpetual Help squad aiming to end an alarming three-game skid that pushed the latter from solo No. 1 spot after the first round to joint third with Philippine Christian U (6-4) with four games remaining in the eliminations.

And a win will be foremost on the minds of the Stags.

"Sabi ko sa players ko, kailangan naming manalo dahil bukod sa Final Four slot, twice-to-beat din ang habol namin," said San Sebastian mentor Arturo "Turo" Valenzona.

While the Stags return to action with a complete lineup, the Altas play without Dean Apor. Perpetual’s prized rookie, who backs up Khiel Misa in the backcourt, serves a one-game suspension slapped on him for punching Letran’s Frederick Rodriguez on the cheek.

Rodriguez, for his part, will serve out his one-game suspension in his team’s game versus Mapua on Friday for elbowing Apor on the face in a game where the Knights defeated the Altas.

The Dolphins, for their part, try to close in on the leaders and enhance their own Final Four bid as they battle the dangerous Jose Rizal Bombers at 4 p.m.

Like San Sebastian, PCU is also on a roll as it strung together three straight triumphs, the last coming at the expense of St. Benilde in a come-from-behind 72-68 win Monday.

PCU coach Loreto "Ato" Tolentino is happy with the way his team is performing but quickly admonished his boys not to underestimate Jose Rizal, which stunned San Beda, 74-71, also last Monday to breathe new life to its flickering semis hopes.

"Habang tumatagal, gumaganda ng gumaganda ang laro ng mga bata," said Tolentino.