San Beda University seeks to close in on leader Lyceum of the Philippines University as it clashes with Emilio Aguinaldo College today in the 94th NCAA basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
The Lions have started their three-peat bid by surviving strong challenges from the Perpetual Help Altas, whom they edged, 67-65, in the opener on July 8 and the St. Benilde Blazers whom they turned back, 75-69, last week.
And now the reigning back-to-back champions face at 4 p.m. an EAC team that has dropped its first three games in heartbreaking fashion, including a 74-76 overtime defeat to Perpetual Help Thursday.
San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez knows their current standing doesn’t reflect the strength of the Generals, who are spearhead by 6’9” Cameroonian Hamadou Laminou, who averages 20 points, 12 rebounds and 2.3 blocks a game.
“They have a tall and strong import and they have some key pieces who could beat any team so there is no reason to expect an easy game,” said Fernandez.
It is also no secret that San Beda appeared vulnerable in its first two outings, but has shown resiliency in the end, thanks mainly to late-game heroics by Robert Bolick, who has averaged a career-best 20 points a game, including a career-high 25-point effort against CSB.
On both occasions, Bolick took charge for his team when it mattered most.
“I will do whatever my coach tells me and whenever the team needs me,” said Bolick, who delayed his PBA dreams for a year to chase one more title in the NCAA.
Arellano University, meanwhile, hopes to ride the crest of its 82-81 overtime squeaker over San Sebastian Friday as it tackles an unpredictable Mapua side at 2 p.m.
Diminutive but big-hearted Levi dela Cruz appears to be the new leader of an AU team that has lost Kent Salado to a season-ending ACL injury as he starred on both his team’s two OT wins, including the most recent one when he made the game-winning triple and steal.
“He has a big heart,” said an impressed AU mentor Jerry Codinera of his lightning-quick guard who norms 8.7 points, 5.7 assists, three boards and 2.3 steals while providing leadership for the new-look Chiefs.
Also seeing action today is CSB (1-2) and Jose Rizal (0-4), which collide at 12 noon.