Dan Sara is expected to make a return after a two-game absence as the San Beda College Red Lions clash with the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Altas while Allwell Oraeme’s fate remains uncertain as the Mapua of Institute of Technology Cardinals tangle with the Arellano University Chiefs on Tuesday in the 92nd NCAA basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
Sara sat out his team’s last two outings due to a fractured finger he sustained after a freak accident in team practice but the Lions still won those games including a 90-63 rout of the College of Saint Benilde Blazers despite his absence.
Oraeme, the reigning MVP, for his part, was benched in the Cardinals’ close 70-67 win over the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals and is still unknown if he will be unleashed in their 2:00 p.m. duel with the Chiefs.
Mapua head coach coach Atoy Co politely declined to comment on the Oraeme benching while skipper CJ Isit, when asked, said “what did coach say?”
San Beda will collide with a Perpetual Help squad that is coming off a 76-61 bashing of San Sebastian last Thursday while Mapua is anticipating a tougher Arellano U side eager to bounce back from a stinging 79-89 defeat to reigning titlist Letran.
“It’s going to be great match for sure,” said San Beda coach Jamike Jarin.
For Perpetual Help coach Jimwell Gican, the San Beda game will be their biggest test of the season.
“Mate-test character namin sa laro na ito,” said Gican.
Defending champion Letran will try to keep their winning streak going as it tackles San Sebastian (1-2) in the first of a heavy three-game bill at 12:00nn.
Rey Nambatac erupted with 22 points while McJour Luib woke up from his offensive stupor and uncorked a season-high 17 points including five triples to extend Letran’s streak to three.
