SAN Beda College goes for a first-round sweep as it tangles with a skidding Jose Rizal University even as reigning titlist Letran and Mapua clash for solo fourth spot today in the 92nd National Collegiate Athletic Association senior basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.
The Lions overcame the San Sebastian Stags, 87-77, Friday to extend their undefeated run to eight and another victory in their 2 p.m. duel with the Bombers would complete the former a nine-game sweep of the first round.
San Beda coach Jamike Jarin, however, voiced his concern over playing reckless in their last game, wherein his team turned the ball over a whopping 32 times.
“It’s one problem we need to address on,” said Jarin.
The Bombers, one of the teams tipped to challenge for the title, continued to disappoint after absorbing their fifth defeat against three wins at the hands of the Arellano University Chiefs, 69-89, Friday.
The Knights and Cardinals, who are at joint No. 4 with 5-3 slates, for their part, face off at 4 p.m. with the winner staying inside the magic four.
Letran is looking to make up for a heartbreaking 72-75 defeat to Lyceum of the Philippines University, while Mapua is seeking a bounce-back from an embarrassing 51-71 rout it suffered at the hands of Perpetual Help 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, it will need to find strong support outside the prolific Rey Nambatac to regain the optimism it lost following its last defeat.
“We need to play as a team and be consistent from start to finish,” said Napa.
Games today
(The Arena, San Juan)
10 a.m.- Jose Rizal vs San Beda (jrs)
12 nn.- Letran vs Mapua (jrs)
2 p.m.- Jose Rizal vs San Beda (srs)
4 p.m.- Letran vs Mapua (srs)