MANILA, Philippines - Reigning titlist San Sebastian and Jose Rizal look to stretch their winning run as the two take on Mapua and St. Benilde, respectively, today in the 86th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.
The Stags will be gunning for a fourth win in a row and a share of the lead with the San Beda Lions, in their 4 p.m. encounter with the unpredictable Cardinals, who have a 2-1 (win-loss) slate.
“We’re hoping to sustain our run by playing more aggressive,” said San Sebastian coach Ato Agustin.
The Bombers, for their part, are also on a roll after stringing together three straight victories including a 73-63 triumph over the Arellano U Chiefs last week to jump to No. 3 with a 3-1 record.
A win today over the Blazers at 2 p.m. will push them further up the standings.
“We’re getting where we want to be at this stage of the tournament and we hope to continue to improve,” said Jose Rizal mentor Vergel Meneses.
But it won’t be easy since the well-rested Blazers, mentored by former pro Richard del Rosario are coming off a win, beating the Chiefs, 70-64, last July 5 in their only game in the season thus far.
The Chito Victolero-coached Cardinals likewise have shown great chemistry and their 2-1 outing underscored their readiness to contend seriously for the semifinals this season.
“I keep telling my players that all the teams are capable of beating anyone this year,” said Agustin.
Mapua, which is riding the crest of a 73-53 thrashing of Arellano U a week ago, is hoping it could find a way to pull the rug from under a heavily favored San Sebastian side.
“For us to have a chance against San Sebastian, we need to do the little things well like putting up tough defense, rebounding hard and making intelligent decisions,” said Victolero.