Cards eye solo third vs slumpin' Blazers

MANILA, Philippines - Mapua hopes to fuel its impressive start in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, going for solo third against St. Benilde at The Arena in San Juan City today.

The Cardinals rode on a big second half run to turn back the Emilio Aguinaldo Generals last week to move up to joint third with the Jose Rizal Bombers with identical 4-2 (win-loss) slates.

Another victory in their 2 p.m. encounter with the Blazers will put the Cards to solo third behind joint leaders San Sebastian and San Beda, which tote 6-0 cards.

While the Cardinals are on a surge, the Blazers have dropped four straight matches after toppling the Arellano Chiefs in their first game.

Meanwhile, EAC and Perpetual Help clash at 4 p.m. in a duel of struggling teams with the Generals looking for their second win in six games and the Altas out to snap out of a six-game skid.

“After our bad start, we’re starting to regain our strength and old form. I just hope we could toughen up our defense more because I feel it’s the only way for us to win more games,” said EAC coach Nomar Isla, who steered the Generals past the Blazers, 76-71, last July 28 for their first and only win.