MANILA, Philippines - Arellano U seeks a share of the lead with the big guns as it takes on a debuting St. Benilde side while title contenders Jose Rizal U and Letran try to bounce back from opening day setbacks at resumption of the 86th NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City today.
The Chiefs walloped the Emilio Aguinaldo Generals, 82-72, last week and are raring to make it two in a row as they battle the Blazers in the 2 p.m. encounter for a share of the lead with fancied defending champion San Sebastian and former three-peat titlist San Beda.
Adrian Celada topscored for Arellano the first time out with 22 points but coach Leo Isaac stressed the need for the Chiefs to toughen up on defense.
“The only way for us to compete in this league is by playing tough defense,” said Isaac.
Letran and Jose Rizal, meanwhile, collide in the 4 p.m. main game, each out to rebound from its loss in the opener.
The new-look Knights failed to sustain their charge and cracked down the strech, dropping a 53-59 decision to the Stags.
The Bombers, on the other hand, got clobbered by the taller, heftier Lions, who ran away with a 68-52 rout.