Games today:
(Rizal Memorial Coliseum)
11 a.m. — Mapua vs Saint Benilde
2:30 p.m. — Lyceum vs San Beda
Defending champion Mapua University and College of Saint Benilde relive last year’s finals clash when they meet Tuesday in Season 101 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball tournament at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Tip-off starts at 11 a.m. as the last year’s finalists will duke it out seeking back-to-back wins.
The last time the Grand Old League staged games in the 91-year-old stadium was back in 25 August 2006 when the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta escaped the Blazers, 68-66, and Philippine Christian University prevailed over Letran College, 59-48.
Despite being in second place in Group B with a 5-3 win-loss record, Saint Benilde head coach Charles Tiu said they can’t let their guard down against the Cardinals, who still have the likes of JC Recto, Cyril Gonzales, Cyrus Nitura, Marc Cuenco and team captain Clint Escamis.
“I think both teams are struggling this season or not up to expectations but we know whenever we play Mapua it’s always a dog fight for us and a tough game,” Tiu said.
“We want to try to beat them after the finals loss. We need to take care of the ball and rebound well against Mapua.”
“Apart from Clint, we need to watch out for Recto, Cuenco, Gonzales and Nitura.”
As for Mapua head coach Randy Alcantara, he is backing on their ability to shoot at will when they take on the Blazers.
Escamis erupted for 20 points last week in the Cardinals’ 85-78 win against Emilio Aguinaldo College.
“Us coaches, we need to really work on what we can do the help the players. Even the players have been talking. With this lineup, everybody can shoot,” Alcantara said.
At 2:30 p.m., San Beda looks to solidify its hold on the top spot in Group B as it takes on Lyceum of the Philippines University.