Bombers square off with Blazers

MANILA, Philippines - Jose Rizal U and St. Benilde collide today with the Bombers out to bounce back from a setback to San Sebastian and the Blazers hoping to stay in the Final Four race in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

With top gun John Wilson held to a season-low nine points, the Bombers lost to the Stags, 76-91, Monday and dropped to third with a 6-1 record.

San Sebastian remained the lone unbeaten team with a 7-0 slate while three-peat champion San Beda seized solo second with a 7-1 mark.

But the Bombers are going all out to match the Lions’ card against the Blazers in their 4 p.m. encounter.

In the other game, struggling teams Arellano U and Perpetual Help mix it up at 2 p.m.

The Chiefs have dropped their last four outings after back-to-back wins, including one over fancied Letran, while the Altas remain in the lower half of the 10-team field with a 2-5 card.

Wilson is also expected to come out strong today as he tries to atone for his so-so performance the last time out.

The Blazers, however, remain hopeful of their chances despite coming off a tough 117-107 double overtime win over the Chiefs last week.

“We’re now starting to become the team I wanted us to be, and we’re accomplishing it by showing hard work and discipline each game,” said St. Benilde coach Richard del Rosario.

Skipper Jeff Morial will try to lead the Blazers’ offense again after scoring a combined 63-point in their last two games, including a 31-point explosion against the Chiefs.

William Johnston is also tipped to pose problem for the Bombers after he knocked in 21 points in their recent win.

“They stepped up big for us in our last game, I hope they keep up the good work,” said del Rosario.