Emilio Aguinaldo College and San Beda University will shoot for their first win when they clash 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 Generals looking for their first win over the Red Lions since entering the league as a guest team in 2009.
Prior to that, Arellano University will gun for the solo lead when it tackles San Sebastian College in the first game at 12 p.m.
The Chiefs, who prevailed over the Generals in the opening salvo over the weekend, will be seeking their second win that will put them ahead of early winners Mapua University, College of Saint Benilde, and University of Perpetual Help System Dalta in the team standing.
Still, all eyes will be on EAC, which has a golden chance to beat the souped-up San Beda squad for the first time in 13 years.
After their 58-63 loss to the Chiefs, Generals head coach Oliver Bunyi stressed that they have to be aggressive in the rebounding department to get more shots.
“We studied our mistakes from our game against Arellano,” said Bunyi, whose wards yielded 18 offensive rebounds to the Chiefs.
“The common thing we did was we gave up extra possessions by letting them get offensive rebounds. Their guards outplayed us. Ralph Robin and King Gurtiza will have to step up when we face San Beda.”
He said they are empowered by their hunger to beat a solid team like the Red Lions.
“I think we have a chance to beat San Beda this Tuesday,” Bunyi, who has Allen Liwag, Ralph Robin, Kris Gurtiza, JP Maguliano and Nat Cosejo to lean on, added.
“We’re both hungry for a win. San Beda also want to win and we didn’t beat them here since joining the NCAA so hopefully, Tuesday will be the first time to do it.”
The Red Lions found themselves at the wrong end of a 55-66 beating as Mapua spoiled head coach Yuri Escueta’s NCAA debut.
