Chiefs to fan semis bid versus Blazers

Games today

4 p.m. – Arellano U vs St. Benilde

6 p.m. – Mapua vs Lyceum

MANILA, Philippines - Arellano U tries to keep its slim Final Four hopes as it clashes with ousted St. Benilde in today’s resumption of the 89th NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

With a 6-9 (win-loss) card, the Chiefs remain in contention for the fourth and last semis berth although their chances hinge not only on a sweep of their last three games but also on the premise that San Sebastian (9-7) and Emilio Aguinaldo College (8-8) won’t go over nine wins to force a playoff.

Gametime is at 4 p.m.

The Stags have the inside track at the last semis slot, needing just one win in their last two games to assure themselves of a playoff while the Generals are also hoping to sweep their last two matches to stay in the hunt.

After St. Benilde, Arellano U will be facing reigning three-peat champion San Beda before closing out its double-round elims campaign against Jose Rizal University.

“We’re keeping the faith but what we need to do is to do our part, which is to win our last three games,” said Arellano U coach Koy Banal.

Meanwhile, Mapua (2-14) and Lyceum (6-10) collide at 6 p.m. in a non-bearing duel.