Expect San Beda University and Mapua University to bring their A-game when the two teams lock horns anew on Sunday in their second round meeting in NCAA Season 100.
Tip-off is at 2:30 p.m. with both teams eyeing to solidify their Final Four hopes while league-leading De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde looks to secure its fourth straight win in a clash against Jose Rizal University at 12 p.m. at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The Red Lions got the better of the Cardinals during their first round encounter last October 8, riding on a huge game from Yukien Andrada to survive an overtime victory, 76-69.
The veteran forward churned out 18 points, five of which he dropped in the extra period, while also grabbing nine rebounds, two steals, and one assist as the Cardinals fired blanks in OT.
However, that game is already a thing of the past as the two teams look to get a fresh start in their second meeting this season.
"Same lang as how we prepare for every team. Just prepare for a tough game on Sunday, it will probably be a physical one," San Beda coach Yuri Escueta said.
Mapua shot-caller Randy Alcantara had the same outlook, saying the players' character will be tested once they square off with the defending champions anew.
"Ayun, ipapahinga muna ang mga boys, fresh legs ulit dapat, and bakbakan na naman on Sunday," Alcantara said.
"Kailangan manalo kami sa Beda, talagang mate-test ‘yung character, ‘yung pasensiya, lahat. Kailangan namin i-ready ‘yung mga players, defending champions [sila] eh."
A win by Mapua (9-3) will strengthen its hold of the solo second spot while a win by San Beda (8-4) will see both teams in a two-way tie at the second spot.
In the first game, Benilde is tipped to continue its rampage as it seeks to extend its winning streak to four at the expense of a struggling JRU side.
The Blazers and the Heavy Bombers have actually just met 11 days ago with the former eking out a statement 84-69 victory behind Jhomel Ancheta's 17-point outing. That win turned out to be the start of Benilde's streak, winning the next two games as well against San Sebastian College-Recoletos and Arellano University to improve to 9-2.
JRU, meanwhile, has been luckless the past three games.
After losing to Benilde, it also lost to Mapua in a tight affair before bowing down to San Sebastian in the absence of head coach Louie Gonzalez.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
