Emilio Aguinaldo College and San Sebastian College-Recoletos will gun for their second straight wins when they tackle separate foes on Wednesday in the NCAA Season 100.
The Generals will take on Mapua University at 2:30 p.m. that will succeed the 12 p.m. encounter between the Stags and Lyceum of the Philippines University at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
EAC and San Sebastian were both unstoppable in their opening games with the Generals stunning the Arellano University in overtime, 87-80, while the Stags completed a 91-84 come-from-behind against Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
And against the Cardinals, veterans King Gurtiza and Harvey Pagsanjan will once again need to step up to the plate.
The graduating team captain Gurtiza led the way for EAC last Sunday when he poured 18 points, four rebounds, and three assists while Pagsanjan impressed in his NCAA debut with 13 markers, nine boards, three dimes, and one rejection.
"It's a test of character going against Arellano, they're a tough team. Malaking bagay 'to kasi we're going up against Mapua next game then CSB on Saturday and on Tuesday, San Beda," EAC head coach Jerson Cabiltes said.
"This is a big game for us and big momentum going up against those three giants. We'll think about Mapua first on Wednesday."
Mapua, on the other hand, is out to recover from a disastrous opening day loss to De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde when the Cardinals lost steam and surrendered a 78-65 setback to open their redemption tour.
Reigning MVP Clint Escamis is expected to rally the Cardinals back to the winning ways after dropping 16 points, three rebounds, four steals, and two assists.
In the opening game, the Stags will be looking to build on the momentum they got from stunning the Knights last Sunday as well with Paeng Are exploding for a career-high 30 points laced with six rebounds, six assists, and one steal.
That win, the Stags hope, can set the tone for San Sebastian this season.
"Gigil lang talaga kami manalo and prove them wrong," Are said.
A win by EAC and San Sebastian will see them in a three-way tie with league-leading Benilde at the top of the standings.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
