JRU, Saint Benilde risk winning streaks

Games today:

(Filoil EcoOil Centre)

3 p.m. — Saint Benilde vs EAC

5 p.m. — JRU vs Letran

Jose Rizal University (JRU) and College of Saint Benilde shoot for their fifth straight victories as they face separate opponents in Season 102 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament today at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

The Heavy Bombers take on Letran College at 5 p.m., looking to strengthen their hold on top spot in Group A against last season’s finalists.

JRU improved to 6-1 following an 84-74 win over Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) on Monday, with Chris Hubilla leading the way with 26 points and 12 rebounds while Lawrence Mangubat added 15 points and seven boards.

Letran, meanwhile, is coming off a 67-69 overtime loss to Mapua University and carries a 4-3 record in Group B.

The Knights will again play without star point guard Jonathan Manalili, who is nursing a right knee sprain, leaving Chad Gammad among the players expected to step up after scoring 18 points against the Cardinals.

Saint Benilde faces EAC at 3 p.m. as the Blazers also seek to stay near the top of Group A and secure a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.

The Blazers improved to 6-1 after a 94-82 victory over Arellano University last Friday, with Jhomel Ancheta scoring 18 points and Justine Sanchez adding 17 points and eight rebounds.

Benilde head coach Paolo Layug wants to see the same intensity and fire from the squad as they face an EAC side, which holds a 2-5 card in Group B, determined to break their streak.

“We’ll have to review the tape, but I think the guys stepped up, especially in the second half (versus Arellano),” said Layug, who took over the post from Charles Tiu.

EAC, meanwhile, will lean on Jude Bagay, who scored 17 points against Mapua, as it tries to bounce back from Monday’s defeat to JRU.