Lyceum of the Philippines University and Jose Rizal University put their respective winning streaks on the line when they collide in Season 98 National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament today at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Action starts at 3 p.m. with the Pirates gunning for their sixth straight win for a share of the lead while the Heavy Bombers are looking to extend their four-game winning streak.
Meanwhile, San Beda University aims to climb the team standings when it faces Arellano University in the first game at 12 noon.
After a disappointing ninth place finish last season, the Pirates sprung to life.
They dropped their first game to College of Saint Benilde, 69-86, but bounced back as they won their next five matches, sending a strong message that they are serious in their bid to contend for the crown.
Lyceum will be marching to battle oozing with confidence following a massive 82-75 win over reigning champion Letran College over the weekend.
Mac Guadana led the assault with 20 points while John Barba and Patrick Montano also did damage with 12 markers apiece.
Still, Lyceum coach Gilbert Malabanan knows that they are facing a tough battle against the Heavy Bombers, who are being coached by seasoned mentor Louie Gonzales.
“I’ll give credit to coach Louie Gonzales. JRU is a strong team because of their system. It’s a matter of which one of our systems will prevail and who will want it more,” Malabanan said.
JRU, on the other hand, will also be coming into the match in high spirits after eking out an 83-80 win over the Red Lions last Tuesday.
It was the school’s first win over San Beda since 6 September 2016 when Teytey Teodoro led the Heavy Bombers to a 97-88 victory in NCAA Season 92.
