NCAA: Streaking Mapua battles CSB

Games Friday (The Arena, San Juan) 10 a.m. - Mapua vs CSB (Jrs) 12 noon - EAC vs Perpetual (Jrs) 2 p.m. - Mapua vs CSB (Srs) 4 p.m. - EAC vs Perpetual (Srs)


Mapua tries to extend its winning streak to three when it battles the slumping College of St. Benilde this Friday in the 86th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City. Fresh from an 82-68 victory over the Emilio Aguinaldo College last week, the Cardinals are currently in joint third with Jose Rizal University with 4-2 records. A victory in their 2 p.m. clash with the Blazers will propel the Cardinals to solo third, and closer to co-leaders defending champion San Sebastian College and San Beda College, both unbeaten with 6-0 win-loss cards. Clashing in the second game at 4 p.m. are the Generals and University of Perpetual Help, which is seeking to turn its fortune around after yielding its first six games. The Nomar Isla-mentored Generals are looking for their second win in six outings, and are expected to bank on the forays of Franz Chiong, Claude Cubo, Russel Yaya and the prolific guard Argel Mendoza, who is leading the team in scoring with 15 points and seven rebounds norm. The Intramuros-based Cardinals are favored to prevail against the Blazers, who have dropped their last four games after upending Arellano University, 70-64, in their initial outings 32 days ago. "Our goal is to continue to play aggressive and tough defense. That's what we've done right the past few games. We hope to continue that," said Mapua coach Chito Victolero, whose team used a huge second half run to turn back the Generals last time out.