NCAA: Surprising Chiefs, Blazers square off
R
esurgent St. Benilde tries to sustain its winning run against Arellano U in the 90th NCAA basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Playing their best stretch in recent years, the Blazers are gunning for a fifth straight victory in the 4 p.m. meeting with the Chiefs, who have defied expectations with a 6-2 record.
Article continues after this advertisementJose Rizal U also seeks to extend its winning run against an Emilio Aguinaldo College in the 2 p.m. duel.
The Bombers are on a two-game roll with their latest conquest coming last Friday when they stunned the Chiefs, 99-98, in the first triple overtime game in the league in five seasons.
Jaycee Asuncion and Michael Mabulac played key roles in that victory.
Article continues after this advertisementThe Generals are hoping that their 89-73 triumph over the Mapua Cardinals last Monday will trigger a turnaround.
“We wanted to get our confidence back and I hope this win helps,” said EAC coach Gerry Esplana, who drew season-high outputs from John Tayongtong with 23 points and Jan Jamon with 21 points.
The clash between the Blazers and Chiefs will be an interesting one with both squads favoring an up-tempo style.
“We will try to match up with [the Chiefs’] fast-paced game,” said St. Benilde coach Gabby Velasco. Cedelf P. Tupas
