Hot Chiefs, Stags seek piece of lead

Games today

12 noon – Arellano U vs San Sebastian (Srs)

2 p.m. – St. Benilde vs Letran (Srs)

4 p.m. – Jose Rizal vs Perpetual (Srs)

MANILA, Philippines - Pre-tournament favorites Arellano U and San Sebastian shoot for a second straight win at each other’s expense today with the winner joining idle San Beda and Mapua in the lead in the 92nd NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City. 

Behind Jio Jalalon’s superb all-around game spiked by a 25-point explosion, the Chiefs overcame the Perpetual Help Altas, 83-78, while the Stags survived the stubborn St. Benilde Blazers in a low-scoring match to escape with a 54-49 win last week.

That makes their 12 noon showdown interesting although the Chiefs are slightly favored over the Stags owing to their form and confidence.

Still, Arellano U coach Jerry Codiñera remains wary of the Stags.

“San Sebastian has a good coach who knows how to win,” said Codiñera referring to San Sebastian mentor Egay Macaraya, who has won multiple championships with the teams he had handled before he moved to the Recoletos-based school.

“But I believe we want it more, the players want it more,” added Codiñera who will again pin his hopes on Jalalon alongside backcourt partner Kent Salado, who had 14 points to go with six rebounds, three assists and three steals in their first game.

In other games, defending champion Letran guns for its second win in three starts as it tackles St. Benilde, winless in two games at 2 p.m., while Perpetual Help and Jose Rizal seek to bounce back in their 4 p.m. clash.

Lervin Flores, a transferee from Fatima College, also made a good impression in his debut that saw him finish with eight points, a team-high 13 rebounds and two shot blocks while providing muscle and hustle underneath.