Bombers offer match vs Cards to late skipper

MANILA, Philippines - Jose Rizal U pays tribute to its fallen skipper as it takes on Mapua today, hoping to stretch its win run to six in the 85th NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.

The Bombers, out to tie the San Sebastian Stags at the helm again, are grieving the recent death of last year’s team captain Jayson Nocom.

“It will be a very emotional game. I just hope we can dig deeper and play above losing our team captain last year,” said Jose Rizal coach Ariel Vanguardia.

The 6-4 Nocom was killed in a motorcycle road accident early morning Monday. His remains will be flown back to his hometown in Mindoro today.

Jose Rizal, meanwhile, will ask the league to allow Cameroonian Joe Etame to change his number from No. 10 to possibly No. 20 in a move to retire the number of Nocom, who averaged six points and five rebounds in three years with the Bombers.

“We hope Jayson’s number won’t be used anymore and we will request the NCAA to allow Etame to change number since he hasn’t really played yet and he still has no records,” said Vanguardia.

Etame sustained a knee injury during the pre-season and is expected to suit up in the second round.

In the other game, Letran tries to improve its 3-3 slate as it collides with Angeles U Foundation (1-5) at 4 p.m.

Meanwhile, the league suspended St. Benilde’s Chuck Dalanon

and Jan Tan and AUF’s Chuck Gomez for one game for their unsportsmanlike conduct last Monday.

Also sacked were Kristoffer Alas and Jaypee Belencion of Letran.

The league also warned Letran coach Louie Alas and his younger brother assistant mentor Mel as well as Kevin

Alas for misconduct.