Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
With Cameroonian center Hamadou Laminou’s recovery proving faster than expected, Emilio Aguinaldo College seeks a share of top spot when it clashes with Letran on Tuesday, while San Beda and Arellano try to bounce back in the NCAA Season 93 men’s basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
One of the teams tipped to improve from last season, the Generals opened their campaign with a 74-64 drubbing of the St. Benilde Blazers in a game where the hurting Laminou topscored with 21 points last Friday.
“I feel like I’m just at 60 percent,” said Laminou heading into the 12 noon match. “I did not practice for the last two months. I’m not yet at 100 percent , but I’m trying my best to get back in shape.”
San Beda, stung by a 92-96 defeat to the Lyceum Pirates last Friday, battles St. Benilde at 2 p.m., before Arellano tries to get back on track against the Jose Rizal U Bombers at 4 p.m.
With the pool of big men in the league not as talented as in previous seasons, Laminou’s presence could just be the edge that the Generals need in their push for a first Final Four appearance.
“He’s a very important player for us,” said EAC coach Ariel Sison.