San Sebastian tries to defuse Heavy Bombers; Mapua takes on Letran for Intramuros supremacy

Defending champion San Sebastian and Jose Rizal seek to stretch their run to five as the two collide today in the 86th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

The Stags overpowered the Mapua Cardinals, 68-49, last week to notch their fourth win in row and half again behind the San Beda Lions, the league leaders with a 5-0 (win-loss) card.

The Bombers lost their first game assignment to the Lions but have since spun a four-game streak they capped with a 74-65 trouncing of the St. Benilde Blazers also last week to improve to 4-1.

A win by San Sebastian would seal it a share of the lead with San Beda, last year’s losing finalist, while a Jose Rizal victory would catapult it from No. 3 to No. 2.

“Its always tough playing Jose Rizal,” said San Sebastian coach Ato Agustin. “We just have to continue to play tough defense and play aggressive in our offense.”

Interestingly, its also going to be a coaching duel between two former PBA teammates Agustin and Jose Rizal mentor Vergel Meneses.

“I’m looking forward playing against my kumpare (friend),” said Agustin, who played side-by-side with Meneses during the 1996-97 season.

Equally interesting is the duel pitting Intramuros neighbors Mapua and Letran.

The Cardinals and the Knights are currently in the middle of the pack with 2-2 and 1-3 cards, respectively, and a win by either one would seal it a place inside the magic four.