Pirates try to enhance semis bid vs Bombers

MANILA, Philippines - Lyceum takes on a skidding Jose Rizal side today, looking for a win and a cushion in what looms to be a fierce battle for the fourth and last semifinal berth in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.

The Pirates hold the No. 4 spot with a 4-5 (win-loss) slate, barely ahead of the St. Benilde Blazers and the Mapua Cardinals, who tote identical 4-6 marks, while the Heavy Bombers remain within striking distance at 3-6.

“It’s a wide open race for the No. 4 slot so every win counts,” said Lyceum coach Boni Tan, out to steer the team to the Final Four on its first season.

The Pirates and the Bombers collide at 4 p.m. while Blazers clash with the lowly Perpetual Help Altas in the 2 p.m. opener.

A three-way battle for the two twice-to-beat incentives in the Final Four looms among unbeaten San Sebastian (10-0), defending champion San Beda (9-1) and Letran (8-2) with the last semis berth a toss-up among Lyceum, St. Benilde and Mapua with Jose Rizal U as darkhorse.

Arellano U and Emilio Aguinaldo College are also in the hunt with similar 3-7 slates.

For St. Benilde mentor Richard del Rosario, a win over Perpetual would be a good confidence-booster after bowing to Mapua last Wednesday.

“We have to bounce back from our loss to get back on track and stay in the upper half of the standings. It would also help regain some of the boys’ confidence,” said del Rosario.

Meanwhile, St. Benilde’s game could also serve as Mark Romero’s last as the talented rookie wingman is set to migrate to the US next month.

The 6-3 Romero is the third leading scorer for the Blazers, averaging 11 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.3 steals.