Carlo Lastimosa returns as CSB Blazers tackle San Beda Red Lions

NCAA.ORG.PH

MANILA, Philippines—San Beda seeks to tighten its grip on the No. 2 spot Wednesday when it clashes with a St. Benilde squad boosted by the return of its leading scorer in the 87th NCAA basketball tournament.

The Red Lions try to sustain their sharp form as they shoot for a 13th victory against the Blazers, who are welcoming back guard Carlo Lastimosa in the 2 p.m. clash.

The 2010 Rookie of the Year left the team close to two weeks ago after a disagreement with school officials on academic policies.

“Yes, Carlo (Lastimosa) is back,” said Henry Atayde, St. Benilde’s representative to the NCAA Management Committee.

“He has enrolled last Saturday for the second semester and he has already been given clearance by the school to play for the team again.”

Mapua seeks solo fourth spot when it plays Arellano in the 4 p.m. game

The Cardinals ended a three-game skid with a 98-73 drubbing of the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals last Monday.

Still nursing slim hopes of making the Final Four, the Chiefs suffered another blow with a 60-84 defeat to the Red Lions last Friday.

Lastimosa’s return will be critical for the Blazers, who are making a late push for a Final Four berth with a 5-9 record.

Meanwhile, the NCAA Mancom has delayed its decision on whether to allow foreign students to play in the league after its meeting was postponed yesterday because of the inclement weather.

In another development, Jose Rizal U is reportedly challenging before the Policy Board a decision by Mancom to junk its protest following a 65-71 loss to Lyceum because of technicality.

JRU filed its protest citing a series of non-calls by the referees in the crucial stages of the game with Lyceum.