Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Five-peat champion San Beda clashes with a dangerous Jose Rizal University Thursday (September 3) with an eye on no less than the solo lead in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) at The Arena in San Juan.
The Lions opened up their second round campaign by routing the Emilio Aguinaldo Generals, 96-84, and the St. Benilde Blazers, 89-63, last week to jump to the top alongside the Letran Knights with identical 9-2 (win-loss) records.
San Beda will clinch the solo lead if it could hurdle Jose Rizal in their 4 p.m. duel.
Arthur dela Cruz, one of the league’s MVP race leaders who was drafted ninth overall by Blackwater in this year’s (Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) rookie draft, will be the player to watch after he averaged 23.5 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and two steals in his team’s last two triumphs.
Interestingly, it was also Dela Cruz who came through the biggest the last time San Beda met Jose Rizal that resulted in an 88-69 rout by the former in the first round on Aug. 15.
In that game, Dela Cruz dropped 29 points, six rebounds, nine assists and four steals.
Dela Cruz though knows they’re up against one of the league’s stingiest defenses.
“They’re always a tough match,” said Dela Cruz.
The Bombers are also hoping to use their 114-112 double overtime win over the Arellano U Chiefs last week to come up with a big game against the heavily favored Lions.
“We need to limit them to less than 80 for us to have a chance to beat them,” said Jose Rizal mentor Vergel Meneses.
Meanwhile, Mapua hopes to ride the crest of its shock 70-65 upset of Perpetual Help a week back as it faces off with an unpredictable San Sebastian set at 2 p.m.
The Cardinals, who are currently at No. 5 with a 5-5 card, though will still be without CJ Isit (dislocated elbow) and Andretti Stevens while Josan Nimes is expected to return to action today though in limited minutes.
