Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
San Sebastian tries to buck the trend of teams losing on their home floor as the Stags host the Jose Rizal U Heavy Bombers on Thursday in the NCAA Season 93 Basketball Tournament at SSC-R Gym in Mendiola, Manila.
Having beaten Arellano on enemy ground two weeks ago as part of the NCAA On Tour this season, the Stags are hard pressed to avoid a similar fate against the Heavy Bombers in the 4 p.m. clash.
“We know that the visiting teams really step up their games,” said SSC coach Egay Macaraya. “It’s really up to us to handle the pressure of playing at home and the challenge posed by the visiting team.”
Mapua also lost in its home debut to Perpetual Help at the newly refurbished Mapua Gym.
Holding a 1-2 record, the Stags can gain a share of third spot with Arellano and Emilio Aguinaldo College, while defeat will send them to the cellar. The Heavy Bombers, who own a 2-2 record, can climb up to third spot with a victory.
Although they lost their previous outing to Lyceum, Macaraya was pleased to see his team put up a gallant stand.
“I’m happy with the team despite our record,” Macaraya said. “They don’t give up no matter what happens.”
JRU coach Vergel Meneses, meanwhile, has unearthed a gem of a guard in Jed Mendoza, who scored 17 points in a 65-62 win over Letran last Friday.