Pirates seek solo 4th vs Generals

Games today

12 noon – Mapua vs St. Benilde (Jrs/Srs)

4 p.m. – Emilio Aguinaldo vs Lyceum (Srs/Jrs)

MANILA, Philippines - Joseph Gabayni hopes to sustain his double-double efforts as Lyceum takes on Emilio Aguinaldo College, looking for a win and solo fourth spot in the 90th NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan today.

The bull-strong Gabayni, a rookie transferee from UST, showed a couple of solid efforts in the Pirates’ two straight victories, making 23 points and 10 rebounds in an 80-78 victory over Mapua last July 14 and finishing with 10 markers and 10 boards in an 84-80 win over Jose Rizal U last week.

That should make Gabayni the player to watch in their 4 p.m. encounter with the Pirates, who moved to joint fourth with the San Sebastian Stags at 3-2.

After five games, the 6-5 Gabayni averaged 10.8 points, 9.80 boards and a league-best 1.6 blocks.

“I still have a lot of things to learn but my concern right now is to help the team,” said Gabayni.

But Gabayni will be ranged against EAC’s 6-8 Noube Happi of Cameroon, who has also turned in solid numbers of 12.75 points, a league-best 12.75 rebounds and 1.25 blocks.

But despite Happi’s big numbers, the Generals continued to struggle and dropped to 1-3, including a 73-65 setback to the Altas last July 11.

But Lyceum coach Bonnie Tan remains wary of the Pirates’ chances against the Gerry Esplana-mentored EAC squad.

“The records are deceiving. Any team can beat any team in this league,” said Tan.

In the other game, St. Benilde shoots for a follow-up to its 85-71 triumph over last year’s losing finalist Letran last Monday as it tangles with winless Mapua at 2 p.m.

The big win over the Knights snapped the Blazers’ three-game skid while the Cardinals are still seeking their first win after dropping their first five.