MANILA, Philippines - Arellano U tries to stay in the hunt for the last Final Four berth as it collides with fancied Jose Rizal U today in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City today.
The Chiefs nearly pulled off a win over the Bombers in the first round but lost steam in the end and absorbed an 82-88 setback last July 15.
But with its back against the wall, Arellano, in fifth place with a 7-5 slate, is expected to go all out in its 4 p.m. encounter with Jose Rizal U, one of the three teams tipped to clinch the first three berths in the semis.
The Mandaluyong-based squad totes a 10-2 card, just behind the second running San Beda (11-1) and unbeaten San Sebastian (12-0) with Letran in fourth with a 9-4 mark.
The Chiefs are trying to stay within striking distance of the Knights, making their game against the Bombers crucial in their bid for a semis seat.
Diminutive Leonard Anquilo is again expected to lead Arellano’s charge after the 5-2 playmaker scored 18 points against his taller but slower rivals the first time out.
“He is the biggest reason we had a hard time against them in the first round,” said JRU coach Ariel Vanguardia. “Mark Cagoco and my other guards couldn’t match up with him and I have to find ways of stopping him, maybe put (Cameroonian Nchotu) Njei on him.”
The Lions, meanwhile, go for their 11th straight win and 12th overall in 13 games as they take on the Perpetual Altas (3-9) in the 2 p.m. game.
“We will not let up, we will remain aggressive,” said San Beda coach Frankie Lim.