Gabayni eyes to lead Lyceum vs EAC

Games Friday (July 25)

(The Arena, San Juan)

12 p.m. – Mapua vs St. Benilde (jrs/srs)

4 p.m. – Emilio Aguinaldo vs Lyceum (srs/jrs)

MANILA, Philippines – Joseph Gabayni seeks to sustain his strong effort as he tries to carry Lyceum anew to another victory when they tackle an Emilio Aguinaldo side boasting of one of the best big men in the 90th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City Friday.

The bull-strong Gabayni, a rookie transferee from Santo Tomas, had a couple of double-double performances in the Pirates' two straight victories and should be the player to focus on when they collide with the Generals at 4 p.m.

Gabayni pounded his way to 23 points and 10 rebounds in Lyceum's 80-78 victory over Mapua last July 14 and had 10 points and 10 boards in an 84-80 overtime win over Jose Rizal a week back to help his team snare a share of fourth spot with San Sebastian on 3-2 (win-loss) records.

After five games, he has averaged 10.8 points, 9.80 boards and a league-best 1.6 blocks.

Another strong effort by the 6-5 Gabayni capped by a win by Lyceum would propel it to solo fourth spot behind four-peat champion San Beda (5-0), Arellano U (4-1) and Perpetual Help (3-1).

"I still have a lot of things to learn but my concern right now is to help the team," said Gabayni in Filipino.

Gabayni will have his hands full against an EAC team that boasts of 6-8 Noube Happi of Cameroon, who have been norming a brutish 12.75 points, a league-best 12.75 caroms and 1.25 blocks.

Despite Happi's heroics, the Generals have dropped three straight games including a 73-65 setback to the Altas last July 11 to fall to a 1-3 slate.

Lyceum coach Bonnie Tan is expecting a tough battle though despite his team's record disparity with the Gerry Esplana-mentored EAC squad.

"The records are deceiving. Any team can beat any team in this league," said Tan.

In the other game, St. Benilde hopes to ride the crest of its stunning 85-71 triumph over last year's losing finalist Letran last Monday as it tangles with league doormat Mapua at 2 p.m.

The giant-sized win over the Knights gave the Blazers their first win this year after dropping their first three outings while the Cardinals have yet to secure their first win in their first five games.

Paolo Taha will be the man to watch out for after he torched Letran with 24 points and making all but two of his 11 shots from the field.