Streaking Stags seek third in row vs Altas

San Sebastian tries to inch closer to a place in the magic four as it takes on a rejuvenated Perpetual Help squad today in the 81st NCAA basketball tournament at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Currently at fifth spot with a 2-3 (win-loss) record, the Stags shoot for a third straight victory in their 4 p.m. encounter with the Altas who’re riding the momentum of a 59-42 rout of the Heavy Bombers the last time out.

Defending champion Philippine Christian University and 2003 champion Letran College lead all teams with five wins apiece with Mapua and St. Benilde closely behind with 4-1 and 3-2 slates, respectively.

Pro-bound Leo Najorda is once again expected to lead the San Sebastian charge.

"Siya talaga ang leader ng team na ito. Kung wala siya, mahihirapan kami," said San Sebastian coach Arturo "Turo" Valenzona referring his 6-foot-3 forward who is among those who applied for the coming PBA Rookie Draft.

Najorda, a vital cog in Welcoat Paints 2005 PBL Unity Cup title conquest, sizzled with 11 points in the fourth quarter as San Sebastian turned back St. Benilde, 67-63, last week. Najorda exploded with 27 points in their next game where the Stags nipped the San Beda Lions, 77-74.

Meanwhile, San Beda and Jose Rizal hope to come out of a five-game rut as the two collide at 1 p.m.

Of the two, the Red Lions were the bigger disappointment coming from a massive pre-season campaign, including a stint in the PBL.

Big men Yousif Aljamal and Jerome Paterno have yet to assert themselves.

Same with highly touted neophytes Rogemar Menor and Jay-R Taganas, the MVPs of the last two NCAA juniors cage season.