WATCH
Games today
(La Salle Green Hills Gym)
12 noon – Mapua vs LPU
3 p.m. – JRU vs Arellano
Mapua University and Arellano University will look to strengthen their respective playoff spots as they take on separate foes on Wednesday in the NCAA Season 97 men's basketball tournament.
Mapua is already assured of a play-in ticket but looks to remain in contention for a twice-to-beat incentive as they take on Lyceum of the Philippines University at 12 p.m. while Arellano will hope for a win against Jose Rizal University at 3 p.m. to see them through to the next round.
Both Lyceum and JRU are already out of contention but will vie to spoil their opponents' fate.
The Cardinals are heading into the 12 p.m. salvo with plenty of confidence as they previously handed the erstwhile undefeated San Beda University its first loss last Saturday.
Against the Red Lions, hot-shooting Paolo Hernandez steadied the ship with 14 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, and two steals and Mapua will lean on him when they take on the Pirates.
Meanwhile, Arellano is among the four teams looking to catch the play-in bus alongside University of Perpetual of System Help DALTA, Emilio Aguinaldo College, and San Sebastian College-Recoletos.
Arellano is also coming off a big win last Sunday, whipping EAC, 70-55, behind another huge performance from big man Justin Arana and the tandem of Gelo Sablan and Jordan Sta. Ana.
"Against JRU, must win din 'yun. Ayun 'yung mahirap eh, nothing to lose 'yung kalaban," said Chiefs head coach Cholo Martin.
"May advantage naman tayo basta healthy lang si Justin tsaka si Sablan pero meron kaming advantage sa height eh."
—JMB, GMA News
