Heavy Bombers seek to remain at helm vs Lions

MANILA, Philippines - Jose Rizal U and San Beda slug it out today in a duel of fancied teams with the Heavy Bombers shooting for the solo lead and the Red Lions gunning for a share of it in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

Tied with the San Sebastian Stags for the lead at 6-1 (win-loss), the Bombers go all-out to prove their worth against the defending champions, who are coming off a 64-52 victory over the Mapua Cardinals.

Gametime is at 6 p.m.

“It’s the biggest test for us, facing the defending champions,” said JRU coach Vergel Meneses, who has steered the Bombers to an impressive start despite dropping off two of African players from his roster.

But hurdling San Beda will require more than impression, especially after the defending champions came out of a two-week layoff to blast the Cardinals last Thursday.

San Beda has also started to settle down with Nigerian Ola Adeogun finally adjusting to the team’s system following a four-game suspension. Adeogun has normed eight points, 11.5 rebounds and two blocks upon his return while averaging just 20 minutes in each game.

The Lions have also limited their last two rivals to an average of 58 points following a sorry overtime loss to the Perpetual Help Altas last month.

“We need to play as tough, if not tougher, in defense for us to have a chance to contain Jose Rizal gunners,” said SBC coach Ronnie Magsanoc.

In the other seniors’ game, St. Benilde seeks to improve its 3-5 slate as it collides with a slumping Emilio Aguinaldo College, down in the cellar with a 1-7 mark, at 4 p.m.