NCAA: Lyceum eyes solo lead vs Perpetual

Photo by Jan Dizon

MANILA — Lyceum seek to sustain a strong start in its debut season in the NCAA when it tangles with Perpetual Help today at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

A victory in the 2 p.m. showdown will boost the Pirates to the solo lead in only the fourth playdate of the league’s 87th season.

The Jose Rizal U Bombers will try to rebound from an opening-day loss to San Sebastian when they tangle with the Arellano Chiefs at 4 p.m.

Jose Rizal couldn’t make the most out of the absence of the suspended Calvin Abueva and lost to the Stags, 67-73, last Saturday.

Arellano blew a 14-point third quarter lead in losing to an inspired Emilio Aguinaldo College squad, 73-78, last Monday.

The Pirates launched their campaign in style, dumping the St. Benilde Blazers, 75-63, behind the torrid shooting of Chris Cayabyab and workmanlike effort of transferee Allan Santos, who posted 19 points and grabbed 17 rebounds.

The Altas, still reeling from the sudden departure of former coach Boris Aldeguer, are looking for their first victory after absorbing a 52-82 rout from defending champion San Beda.

Lyceum isn’t considered as strong as San Beda and host Perpetual likes its chances against the Pirates, the two-time Interscholastic Athletics Association champions. Pirates coach Bonnie Tan said playing without the burden of expectations keyed his team’s victory over the Blazers.

The Bombers, who reached the Final Four the past four seasons, are dealing with the departure of several key players and will again pin their hopes on ace shooters Nate Matute and Raycon Kabigting and John Lopez.

JRU coach Vergel Meneses is also hoping rookie big man Ronnel Carampil continues his stellar form. The 6-foot-4 forward from Pampanga had 19 points on 9-of-14 shooting in just 24 minutes against the Stags.