Arellano seeks 9th victory; Mapua battles JRU

A resurgent Arellano University seeks to sustain its fine form, even as Jose Rizal University and Mapua break their tie at fifth spot Tuesday in the 91st NCAA basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Riding high on their impressive overtime win over the Perpetual Help Altas, the Chiefs shoot for a third straight victory in the 4 p.m. clash with the struggling Lyceum Pirates, whose Final Four hopes are hanging by a thread.

Stopping Jiovani Jalalon will be foremost on the minds of the Pirates after the Chiefs spitfire playmaker tallied 32 points, 10 rebounds and 15 assists in their 84-77 walloping of the Altas last Friday.

“If Jio can play like that every game and our role players play their roles, we’ll be okay,” said Arellano coach Jerry Codinera.

“Lyceum is stronger than its (3-9) win-loss record; it would be a mistake to underestimate them.”

The Pirates welcome Joseph Gabayni from a three-game absence after the center was suspended by the school for disciplinary reasons.

With 6-5 records, the Heavy Bombers and Cardinals battle at 2 p.m. in a game that could prove critical to the two teams’ Final Four ambitions.

While the Heavy Bombers fell short in their comeback bid against the San Beda Red Lions, 75-83, the Cardinals showed composure down the stretch in pulling off an 87-78 triumph over the San Sebastian Stags last week.

More importantly, the Cardinals have Josan Nimes back into the lineup after missing the last three games due to a hamstring problem.

Nimes’ return couldn’t have come at a better time as the Cardinals are also missing guards CJ Isit and Andretti Stevens due to injuries.

The absence of the two players has paved the way for Julius Nieles and Darrel Menina to step up for coach Atoy Co.

“I’m happy with the way my guards are stepping up,” Co said. “But they need to be consistent for us to stand a chance to make the Final Four.”