MANILA, Philippines - Letran goes for a third straight win and the solo lead as it battles Jose Rizal U even as Mapua also tries to get going, seeking a second straight win versus Lyceum in the NCAA Season 89 seniors basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan today.
The Knights try to break out of a two-way tie with the Perpetual Help Altas, chasing another victory against the Heavy Bombers in the 6 p.m. main game.
The Cardinals and the Pirates, tied with the Heavy Bombers at 1-1, clash at 4 p.m.
The Muralla-based team outlasted the San Sebastian Stags, 74-69, then overcame the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 79-74, in a good start under NCAA rookie coach Caloy Garcia.
Even minus former hotshot Kevin Alas, the Knights are off to a winning start, thanks to the steady performances of veteran center Raymond Almazan, chief playmaker Mark Cruz and former Letran Squires star Rey Nambatac.
These three are coach Vergel Meneses’ main concerns as Jose Rizal tries to bounce back from a 70-78 loss to Perpetual Help Monday.
Younger in terms of playing experience, the Heavy Bombers know they can only compete with the Knights if they play as team offensively and defensively as they did in crushing the Cardinals, 83-72, on June 24.
The Bombers pulled off a solid game together against the Cardinals, foiling the coaching debut of Mapua legend Atoy Co.
But Co has chalked up a first win against San Sebastian – a stirring come-from-behind victory that could well pump up the Cardinals against the Pirates today.
Like Jose Rizal and Mapua, Lyceum split its first two matches, pulling the rug from under San Beda, 70-66, then bowing to Arellano, 60-68.
Third-year guard Shane Ko starred for Lyceum versus San Beda, sparkling with 23 points, six rebounds and three assists.
Mapua, meanwhile, rode on the exploits of Joseph Eriobu and Kenneth Ighalo as the Cardinals got past the Stags. Eriobu erupted for 30 points while Ighalo contributed 21 points and 16 rebounds.