Elite Eight action gets off to an explosive start in Manila with defending champion La Salle and varsity heavyweight San Beda clashing in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) today.
After picking up two wins in Cebu, the Green Archers try to keep the solo lead versus the NCAA champion Red Lions in the 2 p.m. duel at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Jeron Teng and the rest of the Archers hope to get a lift from their rookies, who have been making an impact since their winning run in the recent Luzon-Metro Manila qualifiers.
“Hopefully they get to know the system more,” La Salle coach Juno Sauler said of his prized finds, led by Cameroonian Ben Mbala and Filipino-American guard Joshua Torralba.
UAAP powerhouse Far Eastern University and NCAA revelation Arellano, both runners-up in this season’s collegiate wars, clash at 4 p.m.
The Tamaraws try to rebound from a shock loss in Cebu, where they surprisingly trailed by as many as 24 points in a lopsided 74-88 decision against University of San Carlos.
FEU coach Nash Racela said he expects his Tamaraws to regain their take-charge form behind Mac Belo and Mike Tolomia.
The Lions, meanwhile, gun for a second straight victory after downing the USC Warriors, 85-75, behind Art dela Cruz, Baser Amer and Ola Adeogun.
The Archers are coming off wins over Southwestern University, the reigning Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) champion (59-54) and University of Visayas (74-64).
Tickets are available at SM Tickets online and the venue. Games will be aired live by ABS-CBN Sports and Action channel 23.