MANILA, Philippines - Lyceum and Mapua dispute fourth spot in the team standings today when they tangle in the 87th NCAA seniors basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
The Pirates currently occupy the No. 4 position with a 5-5 win-loss card but the Cardinals (5-6) can snatch it away with a victory in the 4 p.m. matchup following the 2 p.m. duel between No. 2 San Beda (9-1) and Emilio Aguinaldo College (3-8).
The Cardinals are riding on the crest of a three-game winning streak and will face a Lyceum crew that will miss suspended starting guard Floricel Guevarra. But MIT coach Chito Victolero still expects a dogfight.
“It’s going to be a hard and physical game. Lyceum is playing well and I’m sure they will be out there fighting,” said Victolero.
The Pirates are coming off a 71-65 verdict over Jose Rizal U Heavy Bombers last Friday, a victory that proved costly as Guevarra was ejected with two Flagrant Foul-2 violations and automatic one-game ban.
Meanwhile, the Freego-backed Red Lions aim to add up more win as they try to cement their hold on No. 2 spot behind unbeaten San Sebastian (11-0).