Lions hungry for rare solo lead, duel Bombers

San Beda shoots for the solo lead minus rookie prize find John Escobal as it takes on Jose Rizal today in the 82nd NCAA basketball tournament at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Escobal, who averaged 10 points, four rebounds and three assists in the first round, was suspended by the NCAA board after a review of the SBC-Letran game last Friday saw him hit Bryan Faundo with a close fist in a fourth quarter action.

The 21-year-old Davao City native will thus sit out their game against the Bombers at 6 p.m. and will be automatically be disqualified in the MVP race for his misconduct.

"There is a pending suspension on Escobal and the board asked me to review it," commissioner Jun Bernardino yesterday told The STAR.

Bernardino, who was a long-time former commissioner of the PBA, however, clarified that it wasn’t his decision.

"In my appreciation of the whole facts and my experience as commissioner of the PBA, it doesn’t warrant a suspension," he said.

Bernardino said San Beda has appealed the decision and the Management Committee (Mancom) chaired by Bernie Atienza of St. Benilde is expected to decide the case today.

"The Mancom has the authority to decide on it so the decision stays," said Bernardino.

The Lions are currently tied with the Knights, whom they beat, 57-49, with 6-1 (win-loss) slates.

The Bombers, on the other hand, are in the cellar alongside the Blazers on 1-6 record.

In the other game, No. 4 Mapua (4-3) and No. 5 San Sebastian (3-4) clash at 2 p.m.