A well-rested College of St. Benilde will seek its sixth straight win when it plays a tougher opponent in the Lyceum Pirates at 4 p.m. today at the FilOil-Flying V Sports Center in San Juan.
Once again, the Blazers are expected to get more out of returning players Justin Gutang and Clement Lentcheu in their bid to secure win no. 6 in the 95th National Collegiate Athletic Association men's basketball tournament.
Doing so will allow the Blazers to move ahead, or keep up with the defending champion San Beda Red Lions.
The Red Lions (5-0) are also looking for a sixth consecutive triumph against the University of Perpetual Help Altas at 12 noon.
Earlier, the San Bed Red Cubs (5-1) will try to hike their record in the solo lead of the junior division when they clash with the Perpetual Help Junior Altas at 8 a.m.
“Again, we wanted to try to rest some of our guys because we're playing against LPU. We need all the energy we can get for that game,” said Blazers' coach TY Tang.
The Blazers have remained unbeaten in five games after defeating the Arellano Chiefs, 82-77, last Tuesday.
Lentcheu, who is back after recovering from a jaw injury sustained last summer, is expected to do more for the Blazers after making 13 points, seven rebounds and three assists against the Chiefs.
Gutang, back from a knee injury, hit 12 points to go with seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals against the Chiefs and will most likely be more deadly this time around.
The Pirates have a 5-1 slate at second spot after turning back the Altas, 87-85, last week behind Mike Nzeusseu, who flicked in the winning layup at endgame.