San Beda University and Mapua University, the two finalists last season, will look to tighten their grip on the second spot when they tackle separate foes on Tuesday in the NCAA Season 100.
The defending champions Red Lions will open the double-header against a dangerous Lyceum of the Philippines University at 11 a.m. while the Cardinals will square off with the streaking Emilio Aguinaldo College at 2:30 p.m. at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
San Beda is on a roll right now, winning all of its last four games, including a vengeful 79-65 victory over its first round tormentor Arellano University behind the stellar outing of big man Bismarck Lina.
And against the Pirates, who have gotten a huge boost following the surprise return of JM Bravo after he was initially ruled out due to a spine injury, the Red Lions will lean on their bread and butter: defense.
San Beda is the top defensive team in the league, emerging as the number one team in terms of points allowed, which included free throws, points in the paint, and two-point shots, while also being the top squad in converting points from downtown.
"It's just being accountable on the individual defense ng each player and 'yun ang foundation ng defense namin, but also, there's also the team defense," San Beda head coach Yuri Escueta said.
"But 'yung individual, I really hold them accountable."
Their defense will be crucial in their encounter against the Pirates, who have been known to effectively run the floor with the likes of John Barba, Renz Villegas, Greg Cunanan, Gyle Montaño, and Bravo leading their fiery offense. In fact, LPU is the best team in the league so far in making fastbreak points.
This is a challenge that Lina and the rest of the pack embrace as they look to keep their streak going
"More on takbuhan sila, bibilisan ko rin 'yung up and down ko and andiyan naman 'yung mga coaches para i-guide kami kung ano 'yung gagawin ko and ng mga teammates ko," the transferee big man said.
In the second game, Mapua is bracing for a dogfight against the red-hot EAC, which picked up its first back-to-back wins by dispatching San Sebastian College-Recoletos in a blowout win and University of Perpetual Help System DALTA in a comeback fashion.
The Cardinals, though, are also high in morale after escaping a tough fight from Jose Rizal University last Sunday behind the efforts of rookie Yam Concepcion and reigning MVP Clint Escamis.
And the first order of business against the pesky Generals, according to Mapua head coach Randy Alcantara, is matching their energy. EAC is currently the second best team in dishing out assists and three-point field goals.
"‘Yung effort at ‘yung energy talagang nasa sistema namin ‘yan, kahit sino kalaban," Alcantara said.
"Syempre ang EAC galing sa panalo, nakita natin ‘yung panalo nila talagang comeback win. Nakita natin na talagang dapat ready kami. Sana maka-recover kami and bakbakan ulit sa Tuesday."
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
