BY ABBY TORALBA
JOSE Rizal University and Lyceum clash today for solo third as the second round of the 99th NCAA basketball tournament gets going at The Arena in San Juan.
The Bombers and the Pirates, who will face off in the curtain-raiser at 2 p.m., ended the opening round with 6-3 marks and the winner will rise to solo third behind pacesetter Mapua University (8-1) and No. 2 San Beda University (7-2).
JRU should come in with optimism after winning its last first-round tiff against Arellano University 88-72 last Saturday.
The Bombers also nipped the Pirates in a gripping 88-87 double overtime triumph last week that still reeks up to this day as they sent the latter sprawling to their third straight loss after opening the season with six straight wins.
JRU expects Lyceum to come out firing anew.
“With utmost respect, primarily we expect Lyceum to come out strong and prepared knowing that they wanted to end their losing streak,” Bombers’ coach Louie Gonzalez said.
Emilio Aguinaldo College and San Sebastian try to get back on their feet when they collide at 4 o’clock.
The Jerson Cabiltes-mentored Generals, who are currently in joint fifth with College of St. Benilde on 5-4 cards, are out to rebound from a painful 72-86 setback at the hands of the Red Lions two days back.
Strategist John Kallos and the Stags succumbed to the Lions 53-76 last Friday for their third consecutive defeat.
Marwin Dionisio is hoping to sustain his fiery form after he dropped a 21-point bomb in their last outing.
Dionisio was nothing short of spectacular as he drained nine of the 11 shots that he attempted that included three three-point conversions in four tries.
He capped his sterling effort with four rebounds, three assists and two blocks without turning the ball even once.
