Last season’s semifinals match-ups close out the first round of the new season!
The San Beda College Red Lions go for a first round sweep as they tangle with a skidding Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers squad, while reigning champions Colegio de San Juan de Letran and Mapua Institute of Technology clash for solo fourth today, in the 92nd NCAA senior basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
The Lions overcame the San Sebastian College-Recoletos Stags, 87-77, Friday, to extend their undefeated run to eight. Another victory in their 2 p.m. duel with the Bombers would complete the former’s nine-game sweep of the first round.
San Beda coach Jamike Jarin, however, voiced his concern over having played recklessly in their last game where his team had turned the ball over a whopping 32 times.
“I am happy with the win but I am mad because we had 32 turnovers,” said Jarin.
Despite having been one of the teams tipped to challenge for the title, the Heavy Bombers continued to disappoint after absorbing their fifth defeat at the hands of the Arellano University Chiefs, 69-89, Friday.
On their part, the Knights and Cardinals, who are at joint fourth with identical 5-3 slates, face off at 4:00 p.m. with the winner staying inside the magic four.
Letran are looking to make up for a heartbreaking 72-75 defeat to Lyceum of the Philippine University, while Mapua will try bounce back from an embarrassing 51-71 rout they suffered at the hands of University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Altas both Friday.
The Cardinals will remain without their leader CJ Isit, who will miss his third consecutive game due to an injured finger.
For Letran, they will need to find strong support outside the prolific Rey Nambatac to regain the optimism they had lost following their last defeat.
“We need to play as a team and be consistent from start to finish,” said Napa.
