De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde and Lyceum of the Philippines University, both sitting at the top of the standings, will take on separate foes when NCAA Season 98 opens the second round on Sunday.
Benilde, which is eyeing to extend its four-game winning streak, clashes with struggling Emilio Aguinaldo College at 3 p.m. while Lyceum, sitting one loss behind the Blazers, will face Mapua University at 12 p.m.
Benilde is among the hottest teams in the league right now, winning all of its last four assignments since a tough loss at the hands of defending champion and three-peat seeking Colegio de San Juan de Letran last month.
The Taft crew had taken care of its task against Arellano University, EAC, Mapua, and San Beda to claim the solo top spot and the wards of head coach Charles Tiu will try to stretch this streak and add to the woes the Generals are facing.
EAC, who serves as this year's host, recently went down to a 0-9 hole, but its biggest snag came on Friday when team management slapped Ralph Robin and King Gurtiza suspensions for the rest of the season.
The backcourt gunners, according to head coach Oliver Bunyi, violated a team rule and they are now out for the remainder of the season with at least nine more games to go for EAC. With them out, EAC is expected to lean more on Adam Doria, Allen Liwag, and Nat Cosejo.
Meanwhile, also shooting to add a win to its streak are the Pirates.
Lyceum is carrying a two-game run, after having escaped San Sebastian College-Recoletos and Arellano, when it meets Mapua in the opening salvo. The Cardinals, though, are eyeing to open a new chapter in the second round after a 0-8 start to the season.
Mapua is coming off a statement victory over EAC last week with team captain Warren Bonfacio and veteran Paolo Hernandez steadying the ship for the Intramuros squad.
—JMB, GMA News
