AFTER a little over a week’s break, defending champion San Beda University and Mapua University resume their bid to boost their Final Four drives when they take on separate foes today in the 100th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
The Red Lions face the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers at 2:30 p.m. after the Cardinals duke it out with the Lyceum Pirates in the curtain-raiser at 11 a.m.
San Beda and Mapua clashed last Oct. 20 in a finals rematch with the Cardinals scoring a 58055 win
Both teams had an eight-day respite as games were called off due to Severe Tropical Storm “Kristine.”
“It’s still a long (way), matagal pa ito. A lot of things can happen, but we have to take care of our business and focus on our upcoming games,” Lions coach Yuri Escueta said.
“Malayo pa iyong Final Four, marami pang puwedeng mangyari,” he added as he will pin his hopes on Yukien Andrada, Bryan Sajonia and Jomel Puno.
The Mendiola-based crew is out to return to the win column without big man Bismarck Lina who will serve a one-game suspension after receiving a disqualifying foul the last time out and improve its 8-5 mark.
JRU hopes to continue its winning ways following a 90-86 victory over Letran last Saturday.
Joshua Guiab, Mart Barrera, Shawn Argente and Wayne De Leon will be counted upon by the Bombers to deliver.
With a 10-3 card for second, the Cardinals will try to get closer to a Final Four spot while the Pirates, currently at fifth with a 6-7 slate, will aim to close in on the magic four.
Rookie sensation Chris Hubilla, along with reigning MVP Clint Escamis and Marc Cuenco are expected to show the way for the Cardinals.
Lyceum will bank on Renz Villegas, John Barba and Jonathan Dialeg.
“Kung iyong top spot, yes, siyempre gusto naming makuha pero malakas iyong Benilde pero kami one game at a time at magre-ready kami para sa next game. Sana suwertehin ulit,” Mapua strategist Randy Alcantara said.