Defending champion San Sebastian College and San Beda shoot for a third straight win when they clash against separate rivals in the 86th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena.
The Stags collide with the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals at 4 p.m. while the Red Lions, last year’s runners-up, collide against the Mapua Cardinals at 2 p.m.
On paper, the Stags have the advantage over the Generals, but SSC coach Ato Agustin can’t afford to be confident as evidenced by the results of their first two games.
The Stags have been the shadow of the team that had a gleaming 15-0 card last year. They barely escaped their first two outings, beating Letran, 59-53 and Perpetual Help, 73-69, on Friday.
"Ewan ko ba kung ano ang nangyayari sa amin. Out-hussled kami at parang laro-laro lang sa amin at parang relaxed sila," Agustin said after the game against the Altas.
"Sabi ko nga sa team 'kung ganyan ilalaro natin, kahit sa Final Four hindi tayo makakapasok."
“We’re hurrying our shots. Everybody wants to shoot and no one is passing the ball around and we’re missing a lot of free throws,” Agustin said whose team was 27-of-68 from the field and converted just 14-of-32 freethrows against the Altas.
Had it not been for Calvin Abueva and Pamboy Raymundo, the outcome could have been different as they trailed 51-58 late in the fourth.
In stark contrast, the Red Lions have won in dominating fashion.
Behind American Sudan Daniel, Rome Dela Rosa, Borgie Hermida, and Jake and Kyle Pascual, the Lions routed the Jose Rizal University Bombers in the opener, 68-53, and then crushed the Generals with a 42-point margin, 97-55.
As a result, Lions should enjoy the upperhand against the Cardinals who may provided an upset following their 79-65 triumph over Perpetual 10 days back.
Francis Santiago, Manila Bulletin
Subject: SSC, SBC Eye Third Wins 
Wed Jul 07, 2010 6:34 am
