BY ABBY TORALBA
LYCEUM tries to gain momentum going into the Final Four when it winds up its eliminations campaign against San Beda University today in the 99th NCAA basketball tournament at
The Arena in San Juan.
The game is set at 3:30 p.m., with the Pirates, although already assured of a twice-to-beat advantage in the semifinals, raring to end the eliminations on a high against the Red Lions, who are fighting for dear life.
Ditto with Perpetual, which faces also-ran San Sebastian College in the curtain-raiser at 1:30.
San Beda is hanging on the No. 4 spot with a 10-6 record while the Altas, carrying a 9-8 slate, desperately need a win.
“Noong nakaraang (season) nga baliktad naman iyong nangyari, ngayon kami iyong may twice-to-beat but same thing, mas iisipin namin iyong kalaban namin ang may twice-to-beat,” Lyceum coach Gilbert Malabanan said.
“Ganoon lang naman talaga para mas lalo kaming pumukpok, lalong-lalo na sa game namin,” he added.
The Pirates will bank on Enoch Valdez, Mclaude Guadana, Shawn Umali, and John Barba in their attempt to do an encore to a 98-86 victory over the Arellano University Chiefs that hiked their card to 13-4 last Sunday.
The likes of Jacob Cortez, Yukien Andrada and Jomel Puno will be counted upon by the Lions.
“Gawin lang namin kung ano nasa kamay namin tapos bahala na,” Perpetual strategist Myk Saguiguit said.
Jielo Razon, Jun Roque, Christian Pagaran and John Abis are expected to show the way for the Las Piñas-based Altas.
