Games Today
(The Arena, San Juan City)
10 a.m. – Perpetual vs Mapua (Jrs.)
11:45 a.m. – Letran vs CSB (Jrs.)
2 p.m. – Perpetual vs CSB (Srs.)
4 p.m. – EAC vs Arellano (Srs.)
Arellano guns for a share of the lead with San Beda when it squares off with Emilio Aguinaldo College today in NCAA men’s basketball at The Arena in San Juan City.
The Chiefs aim to improve their 9-2 win-loss record in their 4 p.m. confrontation with the Generals while also extending their six-game winning streak since losing to the Red Lions, 86-101, last July 22.
Arellano Coach Jerry Codiñera remains cautious of EAC despite his team’s current status after seeing a couple of upset victories in the second round.
Just last Tuesday, San Beda yielded to San Sebastian, 72-71, and defending champion Letran bowed to Jose Rizal University in overtime, 75-68.
“We have to be always ready. We need to keep on pushing ourselves because this round is a different ball game than the first round,” said Codiñera.
Arellano, which is coming off a 78-69 win over College of St. Benilde last Friday, will be banking on Jio Jalalon and Kent Salado after averaging combined 33 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists.
Help will also come from Dioncee Holts, who made his presence felt in their match against St. Benilde with 12 points and 12 rebounds.
More than the top spot, the Chiefs also aim to duplicate their 88-82 win over the Generals in the first round last July 26.
The Generals will be parading with all-around player Hamadou Laminou, who averages in twin figures both on offense and defense, and a strong back-up composed of Sidney Onwubere, Remy Morada and Igee King.
In the other game, Perpetual seeks to bounce back from a stinging 55-71 loss to San Sebastian last Friday when it takes on winless College of St. Benilde at 2 p.m.
The Altas currently tote an 8-3 card at third place, while the Blazers have yet to win a game after 11 unsuccessful attempts.