The College of St. Benilde Blazers will try to tap their second unit players when they meet the Mapua University Cardinals at 4 p.m. today at the Mapua gymnasium in Intramuros.
With Carlo Young adding firepower to the team's offense, the Blazers aim to post their third straight win in the 95th National Collegiate Athletic Association men's basketball tournament.
Getting past the Cardinals will allow the Blazers to keep their share on the lead with the defending champion San Beda Red Lions.
The last time around, Young proved his worth during the Blazers' third-quarter surge against the University of Perpetual Help Altas.
He struck with nine of his 14-point tally in the third period to carry the Blazers past a 26-33 halftime deficit and into a 49-41 edge.
“That was one big part for our win. 'Yan dapat 'yung role niya. He’s a sniper for our team. First game namin, he had good looks but could not find the hole. This time, pumasok naman,” said Blazers' coach TY Tang.
Tang hopes that Young can again go beyond his average of seven points and rebounds.
The Blazers are also counting on the games of Justin Gutang and James Pasturan.
Gutang has normed 13 points and 13 rebounds in their last two outings, while Pasturan has been making 12 points per game.
The Cardinals, with Cyril Gonzales and Warren Bonifacio leading the way, are looking to stop their three-game losing skid.
In the junior division, La Salle Greenhills will go for its second triumph in three games against the winless Malayan Red Robins at 2 p.m.
The Greenies are on a roll after they got past Perpetual Help, 81-59, with RC Calimag scoring 17 points.