MOVE closer to the leader.
That’s what defending champion San Beda University and Mapua University intend to do when they clash against separate foes today in the 100th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
The Red Lions face the Lyceum Pirates at 11 a.m. before the Cardinals battle the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals at 2:30 p.m.
San Beda and Mapua have identical 7-3 marks while the Pirates and Generals are tied with 5-5 cards–all looking to bolster their Final Four bids.
The Lions mauled the Arellano University Chiefs 79-65, and the Cardinals blasted the Jose Rizal University Bombers 75-71 last Saturday that kept them in joint second with 7-3 records. Another victory would push them half a game behind the College of St. Benilde Blazers (8-2).
In those wins, San Beda unleashed bull-strong Bismarck Lina while the Cards unveiled Yam Concepcion.
The 6-foot-5 Lina, back from an ACL injury that sidelined him for nine months, banged in 20 points and seven boards while Concepcion was equally impressive for Mapua with a career-high 19 points on top of eight boards and five blocks, another career-best.
“He has an inside presence na malaking bagay especially for our shooters,” said San Beda coach Yuri Escueta of Lina.
EAC cruised past Perpetual 78-70 last Friday for its second striaght victory. King Gurtiza, Wilmar Oftana and Gelo Loristo will be counted upon anew by the Generals to deliver.
