MANILA, Philippines — Sasarguhin ng San Beda University ang ikalimang panalo sa pagsagupa nito sa Jose Rizal University sa pagpapatuloy ng National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 98 men’s basketball tournament ngayong araw sa The Arena sa San Juan City.
Magpapang-abot ang Red Lions at Heavy Bombers at Red Lions sa alas-12 ng tanghali habang magtutuos naman ang University of Perpetual Help System Dalta at Emilio Aguinaldo College sa alas-3 ng hapon.
Alam ni San Beda head coach Yuri Escueta na matinding pisikalang laro ang haharapin ng kanyang tropa laban sa Heavy Bombers.
“Knowing JRU, they’re a tough team. They’re the number one team in terms of turnover points so we need to take care of the ball. We have to be smart when we play JRU,” ani Escueta.
Kasalukuyang nasa No. 3 spot ang San Beda tangan ang 4-1 baraha sa ilalim ng nangungunang College of Saint Benilde at Lyceum of the Philippines University na may parehong 5-1 kartada.
Pang-apat naman ang Jose Rizal na may 3-2 marka.
Sariwa pa ang San Beda sa matamis na 76-68 tagumpay laban sa defen-ding champion Colegio de San Juan de Letran noong Biyernes para umangat sa ikatlong puwesto.
Sa kabilang banda, galing ang Heavy Bombers sa 67-64 overtime win laban sa Mapua University noong Biyernes.
“This is the brand of game that we really like. It’s playing with effort. My challenge to my team is to not let any stones unturned. I told my team that we’re going to have a big problem if the opposition is still fresh in the closeout. Can they (opposing team) still keep up with us (in the fourth quarter)?” ani Heavy Bombers head coach Louie Gonzales.
Kasalukuyang may 3-3 baraha ang Altas habang wala pang panalo ang Generals sa limang pagsalang.