Games Friday
(Filoil EcoOil Centre)
12 noon – Lyceum vs CSB
2:30 p.m. – EAC vs JRU
By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
College of St. Benilde guns for the top seeding in the Final Four while Lyceum tries to catch the last semis bus when they clash on Friday, Nov. 15, in NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Game is at 12 noon with the Blazers, currently tied for the lead with the Mapua Cardinals at 14-3, out to keep the momentum going to the crucial next phase as they go for a repeat against the Pirares.
But that would be easier said than done as the Pirates are hell-bent to complete the Final Four cast.
Already assured of semis berths are the Blazers, the Cardinals and the defending champion San Beda Red Lions.
Though a loss would still assure Lyceum of a playoff for the semis berth provided that Emilio Aguinaldo College wins its 2:30 p.m. tussle with also-ran Jose Rizal University, the Pirates are not leaving their fate to chance.
For one, the Gilbert Malabanan-mentored Pirates are on a roll, having won their last three games – thanks immensely to the inspired plays of John Barba, Renz Villegas, Jonathan Daileg and Mclaude Guadana.
The Pirates are also hoping to redeem themselves following a 103-78 drubbing they got from the Blazers.
But them to beat the Blazers, they are to play with the discipline and patience of a true champion team.
St. Benilde coach Charles Tiu, meanwhile, openly admitted that gaining the top seeding would enable them to avoid meeting the Red Lions, a squad he feared most.
“They’re one of the best teams, they really have a deep line up, great coaching staff,” said CSB coach Charles Tiu of San Beda. “I told them if they want to play San Beda in the semis it’s fine by me, but you guys decide how you want to play.”
“But ako, we want to compete every game, we want to improve every game,” he added.
Fresh from edging the Red Lions, 70-62, last Wednesday, Nov. 13, Tiu will continue to rely on Jhomel Ancheta, Allen Liwag, Justine Sanchez and Winston Ynot.
