MANILA, Philippines — Jose Rizal U, Mapua and San Beda eye a share of the top spot with the former battling College of St. Benilde and the latter two facing off today in NCAA Season 99 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.
The Bombers ride the momentum of a stunning 85-79 overtime triumph over three-peat titlist Letran in Sunday’s opener as they take on the Blazers at 2 p.m.
“Lumabas chemistry, lumabas tiwala sa isa’t-isa, siguro andun na din yung maturity,” said JRU coach Louie Gonzales on their triumphant season debut.
But the Blazers could well be a tough nut to crack with the return of reigning MVP Will Gozum from a one-game absence.
For the Cardinals and the Lions, who clobbered the San Sebastian Stags, 80-70, and the Arellano U Chiefs, 85-61, respectively, last Tuesday, they are also going all out for that win that will catapult them back to the top alongside the Lyceum of the Philippines U Pirates (2-0).
“We just want to sustain the intensity we showed last game,” said Mapua mentor Randy Alcantara.