JRU out to boost lead versus PCU

Streaking Jose Rizal University tries to firm up its hold of the lead as it battles Philippine Christian University even as Letran seeks a share of second place against Perpetual Help at resumption today of the NCAA basketball tournament at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

At the helm with a 4-1 record, the Bombers take on the Dolphins at 4 p.m., hoping to extend their amazing run to five and boost their bid for the Final Four on a team raring to run the opposition to the ground.

After dropping a 77-81 loss to San Sebastian on opening day, Jose Rizal racked up four victories in a row and is heavily fancied over PCU, which although coming off a 79-58 rout of Perpetual Help last Friday, remains far from reaching peak form.

In contrast, the Bombers look unbeatable with an intact crew headed by the tandem of Marco Polo Fajardo and Winsjohn Te, two players coach Jose de Vera considered as the heart and soul of the team.

"Si Fajardo at Te talaga ang heart and soul ng team na ito, kung maganda ang pinapakita ng dalawa siguradong mananalo kami," said de Vera, hoping to steer his team to a first title in three decades.

Jimmy Mariano, a former Olympian, should take this as a hint to find ways in limiting, if not stopping, Fajardo and Te from inflicting damage if PCU wants to pull the rug from under Jose Rizal.

The Knights, on the other hand, eye a share of second place with the idle Mapua Cardinals and the San Beda Red Lions as they tangle with the Altas at 2 p.m.

The Knights, at solo fourth with a 3-2 card, saw their two-game run snap after getting shackled by the Bombers, 67-78, last Wednesday while the Altas (2-3) hope to end a three-game skid.

Robert Lee Barnson, however, might be a doubtful starter anew for UPHR mentor Bai Cristobal. The 6-foot-5 Barnson missed his team last outing after injuring his right leg in a 76-92 loss to the Red Lions on July 11.