SAN Sebastian College seeks to cling to its place in the magic four, while Perpetual Help aims to snatch it away as the two take on each other today in the 93rd NCAA basketball tournament at the Filoil Arena in San Juan City.
Behind Michael Calisaan’s strong offensive game, the Stags blasted the Emilio Aguinaldo Generals, 88-69, Friday to jump into joint fourth with the Letran Knights on 5-5 (win-loss) records, but the Altas, who are just a game behind with a 4-6 mark, hope to spoil the fun when they face off at 4 p.m.
And San Sebastian College coach Egay Macaraya knows they’re in for a tough fight.
“As was our weakness, we have no import so we just have to make with what we’re strong at, which is running and outside shooting,” said Macaraya.
Truly, Perpetual Help boast of Nigerian Prince Eze, the league’s leading MVP candidate who dropped 21 points and 19 rebounds in an 88-82 overtime triumph over Letran Thursday.
Gab Dagangon is also coming off a strong game in a long, while by firing 21 points and making the clutch plays in OT.
“The players really wanted to win because they know we’re still in the Final Four race,” said Perpetual Help coach Jimwell Gican, who has completely taken the reins following the indefinite leave filed by Nosa Omorogbe.
Arellano University, which is tied with Perpetual Help and EAC at sixth, likewise tries to enhance its Final Four bid as it tangles with Mapua, which is placed last with a 1-10 card.
The Chiefs are coming off an impressive game as five players ended up scoring in double figures including a career-high 23-point effort by Rence Alcoriza in a 115-109 double OT win over the Jose Rizal Bombers Thursday.
“This is a big win for us and we hope this will start something big for us,” said AU mentor Jerry Codinera.
Games today
(Filoil Arena, San Juan)
12 noon- Arellano U vs Mapua (jrs)
2 p.m.- Arellano U vs Mapua (srs)
4 p.m.- Perpetual Help vs San Sebastian (srs)
6:30 p.m.- Perpetual Help vs San Sebastian (jrs)