Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — San Beda shoots to stay on top while Perpetual Help seeks to close the gap as the two clash with San Sebastian and Emilio Aguinaldo College, respectively, Tuesday (September 22) in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) at The Arena in San Juan.
The Lions survived the Lyceum Pirates, 87-80, last Thursday to jump to the top with an 11-3 (win-loss) record while the Altas were riding the crest of a lopsided 70-47 win over the St. Benilde Blazers Friday to move up to No. 3 with a 10-4 slate.
Perpetual plunge into action first at an already-ran EAC at 2 p.m. eyeing a victory that will send it to a share of second with idle Letran (11-4) while San Beda tackles another eliminated squad in San Sebastian at 4 p.m. looking nothing less than a win that will keep it at the helm.
Reigning MVP Earl Scottie Thompson is expected to carry the Las Pinas-based school anew after he had 21 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in their last game for his sixth triple-double performance of the season and ninth in his college career.
Thompson, who was drafted fifth overall in the PBA draft this year by Brgy. Ginebra, said winning is his priority,
“Whether I have a triple-double or not, I just want my team to win,” said Thompson, a proud son of Digos, Davao del Sur.
The Lions, for their part, will try to bank on Arhtur dela Cruz again after the Blackwater-bound forward exploded with 25 points in their last outing.
San Beda mentor Jamike Jarin said with the way the Final Four race is going, they need all the wins his team could get.
“It’s a close race so it’s a win or bust,” said Jarin.
