Chiefs try to catch Lions, play Generals

MANILA, Philippines – Arellano U guns for a share of the lead with San Beda as it clashes with Emilio Aguinaldo College while Perpetual Help tries to close in on the leaders as it tangles with winless St. Benilde in the 92nd NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan today.

The Chiefs blasted the Blazers, 78-69, last Friday to nail their sixth straight victory and ninth overall in 11 outings, putting them within striking distance of the Lions, who suffered a 71-72 setback to the lowly San Sebastian Stags last Tuesday.

San Beda still kept the lead at 10-2 but the loss enabled Arellano and Perpetual to move closer at 9-2 and 8-3, respectively, with Mapua another game-and-a-half behind at 7-4 for fourth.

A surging Jose Rizal U is at No. 5  at 6-5 while Lyceum and embattled defending champion Letran share sixth at 5-6.

“This is an opportunity for us to get to the top and we’ll try to cash in on it,” said Arellano U coach Jerry Codiñera.

The Altas, who are at third spot with an 8-3 record, will go all out for a victory against the Blazers, who have dropped their first 11 games.

Perpetual Help hopes to atone for its losing stand against San Sebastian, 55-71, Friday.