Lyceum of the Philippines University will look to create more separation in the race for the last three Final Four spots when it takes on also-ran San Sebastian College-Recoletos on Friday in NCAA Season 99 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
LPU (11-4) tangles with San Sebastian (5-10) at 1:30 p.m. in bid to secure at least a playoff for fourth spot.
Mapua University (13-3), who is already assured of the Final Four slot and the twice-to-beat bonus, will look to continue its streak against Arellano University (2-13 at 3:30 p.m.
The Pirates are coming off a tough 81-80 loss to University of Perpetual Help System DALTA last Sunday with the ALTAs coming away with the victory behind a Hail Mary triple from Mark Denver Omega in the final seconds and the wards of head coach Gilbert Malabanan would want to bounce back hard and keep their fate in their hands.
San Sebastian though is out to play a spoiler's role as the Stags, who are already out of contention, are eager to end their remaining games this season on a winning note with Romel Calahat, Paeng Are, and Raymat Escobido leading the way.
Meanwhile, Mapua won't rest on its laurels against an upset-seeking Arellano despite already being secured of the first Final Four ticket.
The Cardinals are currently on a momentum, winning their last four games against San Sebastian, EAC, San Beda, and Perpetual that allowed them to return to the semifinals after missing out last season.
Rookie guard and MVP frontrunner Clint Escamis is expected to continue leading the Intramuros crew while the Chiefs are tipped to lean anew on Jade Talampas, Lorenz Capulong, and Troy Valencia.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
