St. Benilde, Mapua eye turnaround

MANILA, Philippines —  College of St. Benilde hopes to rebound from its excruciating defeat the last time out as it tangles with dangerous Lyceum of the Philippines University today in NCAA Season 100 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

The Blazers battle the Pirates in their 2:30 p.m. showdown without lead guard in Jhomel Ancheta, who was slapped a one-game suspension for a hit on Letran’s Pao Javillonar on the back in their 69-71 loss Sunday.

“Hoping we can bounce back without our starting point guard,” said CSB coach Charles Tiu, disappointed they blew away what could have been a fifth victory versus the Knights.

Instead, the Blazers are at 4-1 entering their 2:30 p.m. tussle with the Pirates.

Tiu and his chargers brace for another test especially with LPU brimming with confidence while riding the momentum of a three-game run.

The Pirates’ streak included an emphatic 96-81 triumph over a title-contending Mapua Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the Cardinals will try to spring back from that stinging setback as it tackles the slumping San Sebastian Stags at 12 noon.

A win for Mapua (3-2) would keep its place in the magic four while SSC-R (2-4) aims to end a four-game losing slide with a win.