Three NCAA co-leaders eye 12th victories

Art Dela Cruz tries to shake off his Mapuan defender. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

One of the tightest NCAA Final Four races in years could see some clarity Friday—or further get muddled up if the trend in the country’s oldest collegiate league continues.

Tied at top spot with identical 11-4 records, San Beda, Letran and Perpetual Help clash with separate rivals also seeking to boost their postseason drive in the most important playdate of Season 91 yet at Filoil Flying V Arena.

The Lions tangle with the Mapua Cardinals to start the triple-header at 12 noon, before the Altas meet the Jose Rizal U Heavy Bombers at 2 p.m. The Knights hope to snap a two-game slide against the Arellano Chiefs at 4 p.m.

The possibility of a five-way tie for top spot actually looms if the three leaders drop their games. Out of the three, the Altas are the only team that has looked solid in recent weeks, losing just once in their last six games.

Meanwhile, St. Benilde snapped a three-game slide with a 69-62 victory over San Sebastian yesterday in a battle of teams out of Final Four contention.

Jean Nguidjol dished out a double-double of 16 points and 14 rebounds as Lyceum whipped undermanned Emilio Aguinaldo College, 59-45, in the other game.

The scores:
First Game
LYCEUM 59—Nguidjol 16, Ayaay 10, Baltazar 7, Sunga 4, Lacastesantos 4, Taladua 4, Gabayni 3, Alanes 3, Malabanan 2, Marata 2, Elmejrab 2, Bulawan 2, Soliman 0, Mbbida 0
EAC 45—Munsayac 11, Mejos 10, Hamadou 10, Estacio 6, General 4, Bonleon 3, Mallari 1, Pascual 0, Corilla 0.
Quarters: 12-6, 22-25, 39-38, 59-45
Second Game
ST. BENILDE 69—Grey 25, Ongtengco 19, Domingo J. 10, Castor 8, Domingo S. 4, Young 3, Jonson 0, Nayve 0, Deles 0, Sta. Maria 0, Saavedra 0, Flores 0, Dixon 0, San Juan 0.
SAN SEBASTIAN 62—Guinto 19, Fabian 14, Capobres 13, Ortuoste 3, Costelo 2, Bulandi 2, Bragais 0, Santos 0, Pretta 0.
Quarters: 14-14, 27-30, 51-45, 69-62