By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Mapua guns for a share of the lead as it tries to fan its winning streak to four games when it squares off with Lyceum on Tuesday, Sept. 24, in NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
A victory for the Cardinals in their 2:30 p.m. confrontation with the Pirates would tie them at the helm with the College of St. Benilde Blazers, who sport a 4-1 win-loss slate.
But expect a tightly-contested match between the two squads as Lyceum also boasts of back-to-back victories over Jose Rizal University (92-72) and Arellano (90-86 in overtime) that evened its record to 2-2 in the middle standings.
A triumph for the Pirates, for their part, would create a temporary four-way logjam at third place with University of Perpetual Help, defending champion San Beda, and Letran, who carry identical 3-2 cards.
The Perpetual Help Altas are actually seeking to untangle themselves from that crowded group when they battle the skidding San Sebatian Stags at 11 a.m.
Spotlight, however, is expected on last year’s bridesmaid Mapua, which is slowly making its title campaign felt.
After a tough 78-65 opening game loss to the Blazers, the Cardinals are on a roll with triumphs against the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals (69-66), the Altas (71-65), and the Letran Knights (77-62).
A strong core spearheaded by reigning Most Valuable Player Clint Escamis is set to fuel Mapua anew, along with Chris Hubila, Marc Cuenco and Lawrence Mangubat after the four dribblers scored in double figures the last time.
But Lyceum would not be intimidated as it rides on the crest on back-to-back wins anchored on John Barba and Mclaude Gaudana.
In the other pairing, Perpetual Help coach Olsen Racela hopes his stalwarts could sustain their run following a 73-67 win over EAC last Saturday, Sept. 21, that halted their two-game skein.
Hot-shooting Mark Gojo Cruz is expected to lead the assault for Perpetual after posting consistent significant numbers including an 18-point production against the Generals, while support is set to come from Christian Pagaran, Cedric Abis and John Boral.
San Sebastian, however, is determined to get back on track after plummeting to its third straight loss over JRU, 90-74, last week that put them at 2-3.
