Lyceum shoots for win over CSB in NCAA debut

MANILA, Philippines - Lyceum tries to make an impact as a probationary member in its first season as it takes on St. Benilde in the second playdate of the 87th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City today.

Arellano U and Emilio Aguinaldo, both hoping to be elevated to regular status, clash in the other game at 4 p.m., seeking to join opening day winners San Beda, San Sebastian and Letran in the early lead.

The Pirates will be spearheaded by the prolific Carlo Lastimosa.

The Arellano-EAC duel is also tipped to generate interest in a match pitting former PBA players now coaches Leo Isaac of the Chiefs and Gerry Esplana of the Generals.

Esplana took over the job last year after Nomar Isla decided to be the Taft-based school’s representative to the Management Committee.

Meanwhile, league president Anthony Tamayo of host Perpetual Help said he remained proud of his Altas despite their loss to the defending champion San Beda Lions.

Perpetual Help played without its coach Boris Aldeguer, who resigned last week due to personal reasons.

“We want to maintain an image of high integrity among all NCAA schools that’s why we made decision,” said Tamayo. “We will remain proud and supportive of our players as long as we play fair.”

In juniors’ action, San Sebastian walloped Jose Rizal, 70-58, and Letran slammed Mapua, 72-64.

Meanwhile, the NCAA suspended Mapua’s Fil-Palestinian rookie and two players from Letran for their unsportsmanlike act in the Knights’ 76-65 victory last Saturday.

The 6-7 Cardinal Yousef Taha threw the ball at Letran’s Kevin Alas less than a minute to go while the Knights’ Jamil Gabawan and Kris Alas for their involvement in a bench-clearing incident.

NCAA commissioner Del Rosario said he sacked Gibawan and Alas based on NCAA rules, not of FIBA, the world governing body of the sport.

“FIBA rules don’t merit automatic one-game suspension for players thrown out for bench-clearing but NCAA rules merit a one-game suspension for bench-clearing,” said Del Rosario, a former multi-titled coach at Santo Tomas.