SAN Beda University and Mapua try to inch closer to pace-setting College of St. Benilde as they tackle Lyceum of the Philippines University and Emilio Aguinaldo College, respectively, on Tuesday in NCAA Season 100 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.
The Lions devoured the Arellano University Chiefs, 79-65, and the Cardinals diffused the Jose Rizal University Bombers, 75-71, Saturday to keep them at joint second with 7-3 records and another victory would push them half a game behind the Blazers (8-2).
San Beda clashes with LPU 11 a.m. while Mapua tangles with EAC at 2:30 p.m.
In both results, the Lions and the Cardinals have unveiled a pair of new weapons that should make them more dangerous in future games with the former unleashing bullstrong Bismarck Lina on one hand the latter unloading scrappy Yam Concepcion on the other.
The 6-5 Lina, back from an ACL injury that sidelined him for nine months, was a menace with 20 points and seven boards while Concepcion was equally electric for Mapua with a career-high 19 points on top of eight caroms and five blocks, another career-best.
“He has an inside presence na malaking bagay especially for our shooters,” said San Beda coach Yuri Escueta of Lina.
Expect both the Lions and the Cardinals to face tough opposition in the Pirates and the Generals, who are eyeing to jump from a share of fifth spot with 5-5 marks to gatecrashing into the magic four.
Both were also riding high on their recent giant-sized wins with LPU toppling Letran, 91-68, Friday and EAC turning back University of Perpetual Help, 78-70, the same day.
Games Tuesday
(Filoil EcoOil Arena)
11 a.m.- LPU vs San Beda
2:30 p.m.- EAC vs Mapua
