by Waylon Galvez
Games Today (The Arena, San Juan)
8 a.m. – SSC-R vs San Beda (Jrs)
10 a.m. – Lyceum vs JRU (Jrs)
12 n.n. – SSC-R vs San Beda (Srs)
2 p.m. – Lyceum vs JRU (Srs)
4 p.m. – EAC vs Arellano (Srs)
6 p.m. – EAC vs Arellano (Jrs)
San Beda mentor Boyet Fernandez hopes to see consistency as they shoot for their fourth win against San Sebastian College today in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.
Their much-awaited encounter is at 12 noon with Fernandez determined to let his other players involve in their cause, claiming the team’s starting unit is doing commendable job.
“There’s a bit of discrepancy, and we need to work on that,” said Fernandez of his team’s second unit.
“Of course, the starting five are playing well, but we’ve got to get the second, or maybe even the third unit involved. We’re giving them playing time to show what they can do,” he added.
In other games, Lyceum plays a resurgent Jose Rizal University at 2 p.m., while Emilio Aguinaldo College plays host school Arellano University at 4 p.m.
The Lions are coming off an 89-72 victory the Generals last Thursday where the starters tallied 60 points and the reserves combined for just 29 points.
As for the Stags, the team of Egay Macaraya will try to bounce back from an 80-69 loss against Lyceum of the Philippines University.
SSC top guard RK Ilagan hopes to regain his form after the Pirates held him scoreless on just four attempts in their previous game. Prior to that, Ilagan was averaging 22.5 points per game.
Meantime, expect an exciting clash between the Pirates and the Heavy Bombers – two teams that have won their last two assignments, with Lyceum bouncing back from a stunning loss to EAC while JRU has won back-to-back games following a 0-3 start.
Lyceum coach Topex Robinson is grateful to have transferees (from the Stags) Jayson David and Renzo Navarro to compliment LPU’s prolific Marcelino ‘twins’ Jaycee and Jayvee.
“Renzo’s been struggling a bit, but against San Sebastian), he showed his true character. We’re just so blessed to have Renzo here and that also goes with Jayson,” said Robinson.