Pirates eyesolo second versus Altas

MANILA, Philippines — Lyceum of the Philippines eyes solo second place as it squares off with Perpetual Help even as San Sebastian and St. Benilde fight for solo fourth spot in the 95th NCAA basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City today.

The Pirates survived the gritty Arellano Chiefs, 93-90, Tuesday to stay at joint second with the Letran Knights on 7-3 (win-loss) record, and another win over the Altas (3-6) in their 4 p.m. duel will shove them closer to the league-leading San Beda Red Lions (10-0).

Coming into the season as a heavy favorite to challenge reigning titlist San Beda for the third straight season, LPU hasn’t been performing as expected as the Pirates even dropped games to Arellano and Emilio Aguinaldo College, the league’s last placed teams with 2-8 and 1-9 cards, respectively.

But LPU coach Topex Robinson sees it as a blessing in disguise.

“I look at it as experiences that are meant to toughen each and everyone of us because all of those serve as lessons,” said Robinson.

Meanwhile, San Sebastian and St. Benilde, both possessing 6-3 marks, part ways at 2 p.m.

The Stags have racked up four straight victories including an 85-79 win over the Arellano U Chiefs on Friday.

JM Calma should be the player to watch after coming through with one of his best games, finishing with 17 points and 10 rebounds in their last outing.

CSB, meanwhile, will have veteran forward Edward Dixon as a doubtful starter after spraining his left ankle during yesterday’s practice.