Bombers try to post No.3 vs Generals

MANILA, Philippines - Jose Rizal shoots for a third straight win and a share of the lead with San Sebastian as it faces guest team Emilio Aguinaldo College today in the 85th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

The Bombers, last year’s losing finalists, were one of the two teams that remain unbeaten following wins over Letran Knights, 69-66, on opening day and an 83-58 rout of the Perpetual Help Altas last week.

A win over the Generals, who have dropped their first two outings, in their 4 p.m. showdown would push them from solo second place to the top alongside the Stags, who were unbeaten in three starts.

Jose Rizal coach Ariel Vanguardia said nailing their third win would sustain their momentum for the tougher games ahead.

“Our goal is to win as many games as we can,” said Vanguardia, who is hoping to steer the school to its first title since claiming the title 37 years ago.

Angeles U Foundation likewise aims to keep a win run after its first league win, an 86-75 triumph over EAC Monday as they go up against Mapua at 2 p.m.

It was the Great Danes first win in two games.

“It’s a nice feeling to win in this league, we hope to carry the momentum to the next game,” said AUF mentor Eric Gascon, who was part of the Far Eastern U squad that snared back-to-back UAAP crowns in 1991 and 1992.

Although Mapua was surprisingly winless in two matches, the Cardinals should still be the favorite considering that half of the team is still composed of holdovers from last season.

This included the prolific Allan Mangahas.

“They’re a strong team, they’re just struggling,” said Gascon.

The Bombers are expected to draw strength from veterans John Wilson, Mark Cagoco, James Sena and Marvin Hayes.

Wilson had 19 points, seven rebounds, three steals and two assists, Cagoco 16 points, Sena 14 points, a season-high 18 rebounds, eight assists and a block and Hayes 11 points and eight boards in that blowout of a win against Perpetual Help.

“They’re our veterans, we rely heavily on them,” said Vanguardia.