NCAA: Arellano, EAC collide for share of top spot

MANILA, Philippines — Arellano and Emilio Aguinaldo College square off for a share of the lead Monday even as winless teams Jose Rizal U and St. Benilde collide in the 90th NCAA basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Chiefs and the Generals clash at 2 p.m. looking to follow up their impressive season starts with another win to tie San Beda and Perpetual Help.

The Bombers try to snap a two-game slide against the Blazers in the second game at 4. Stung by losses to San Beda and San Sebastian, the Heavy Bombers hope to finally get their season going against the Blazers.

The Chiefs gave new coach Jerry Codiñera a winning debut with a 93-80 dumping of the Lyceum Pirates last Monday.

Six players led by veteran guard John Pinto wound up with at least nine points as Arellano leaned on a 56-point explosion in the second half to repulse the Pirates.

The Generals were also impressive in their 81-72 drubbing of the St. Benilde Blazers while the Bombers remain in search of their first win after falling short against San Sebastian, 81-88, last Wednesday.