Explosive Bombers, Chiefs eye No. 2

MANILA, Philippines - Jose Rizal U and Arellano U dispute the No. 2 spot today in what promises to be another fierce duel between two contenders with contrasting styles in the 90th NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

Needing strong efforts from Jaycee Asuncion, Michael Mabulac, Cameroonian Abdul Razak Abdul Wahab and Philip Paniamogan, the Bombers wore down the Chiefs in triple overtime last Aug. 1 to spark a three-game win run that put the Mandaluyong-based squad in joint second with the Chiefs at 9-4.

Gametime is at 4 p.m. with the winner moving closer to league-leading defending three-peat champion San Beda (11-2) heading to the crucial phase of the double-round elims.

Arellano U will be coming in with the league’s best offense as it is averaging 85.3 points a game – the only team to breach the 80-plataeu.

Interestingly, Jose Rizal has been winning games thanks to its defense, which is the league’s second best after holding down foes to just 71 points, next only to league leader San Beda’s 66.8 points.

“We all know Arellano owns the most potent offense in the NCAA so we have to come in with a resolve that we need to contain their scoring and running game,” said Jose Rizal coach Vergel Meneses.

After a slow start, Mabulac has finally blossomed, coming through with a double-double effort of 13 points and 10 rebounds in a 67-43 thrashing of Lyceum on Sept. 1 and 21 points and eight boards in a pulsating 80-76 overtime win over Perpetual Help last week.

Mabulac will be heavily tested against American Dioncee Holts, who has been the source of inside strength for the Chiefs after norming 12.54 points and 9.38 boards.

Arellano U will be looking to halt a two-game slide following defeats to Perpetual Help, 86-101 on Sept. 1 and St. Benilde, 97-101, Monday although its main man, Jiovani Jalalon, remains a doubtful starter.

In the other game, Lyceum (5-8) seeks to stay in the Final Four hunt as it faces off with an already ran Emilio Aguinaldo (3-10) at 2 p.m.