Jose Rizal, Perpetual brace for crucial matches

MANILA, Philippines -  Jose Rizal University and Perpetual Help gear up for a pair of crucial matches on Thursday when they close out their respective elims campaigns in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, both needing victories to assure themselves of at least a playoff for the last Final Four berth.

Between the two, however, the Heavy Bombers seem to have the inside track for the last semis seat as they will take on the ousted Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals (7-10). In contrast, the Altas will have a tougher opponent in the San Sebastian College side still in chase for one more win to nail the No. 2 spot and the other twice-to-beat advantage in the next round.

Defending champion San Beda has booked the top spot in the semis with a 15-2 mark while Letran is at No. 3 with an 11-6 slate and JRU and Perpetual share fourth with 10-7 records.

Meanwhile, a pair of non-bearing games featuring Mapua (6-10) versus Lyceum (3-14) and Arellano U (6-10) against St. Benilde (4-12) will be played today at The Arena in San Juan City.