SSC, JRU out to firm up No. 1 spots

MANILA, Philippines - San Sebastian and Jose Rizal seek to remain on top and build some cushion over a chasing Perpetual Help and San Beda sides as they take on Emilio Aguinaldo and St. Benilde, respectively, today in the 88th NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

The Stags are riding the crest of a league-best five-game winning streak capped by a 91-70 demolition of the Arellano U Chiefs last Saturday that kept them in step with the Bombers in the lead with 5-1 (win-loss) slates.

They are again fancied to roll past an EAC crew languishing in the cellar of the 10-team field with a woeful 1-6 card in the 4 p.m. contest.

SSC coach Topex Robinson, however, has opted to downplay his wards’ chances and cautioned them against taking the Generals for granted.

“I’ve always reminded my players not take any team lightly and I will remind them again when we play EAC, which I think is a team that is playing well despite some heartbreakers,” said Robinson.

The Heavy Bombers are also tipped to prevail over the Blazers in the 6 p.m. showdown although the latter are also out to improve their 3-4 mark.

The Bombers are off to their best start in years, their 85-71 rout over the Lyceum Pirates last Thursday but the Blazers are also coming off an inspiring 80-73 overtime victory over the Arellano U Chiefs in an out-of-town game in Sta. Cruz, Laguna.

Jose Rizal mentor Vergel Meneses said defense will be crucial in their bid to keep their win run going.

“In our last game, we couldn’t do it in offense so we did it by playing tough defense especially in the fourth quarter,” said Meneses. “We hope we could play as tough defensively again for us to have a chance.”