Bombers eye semis incentive

MANILA, Philippines - Jose Rizal U tries to stay in the hunt for the other twice-to-beat incentive in the Final Four as it plays ousted Emilio Aguinaldo in the penultimate playdate of the NCAA men’s basketball eliminations at The Arena in San Juan City today.

The Bombers, who dropped a 78-84 setback to the San Sebastian Stags last Wednesday and to third place behind SSC and San Beda, are heavily fancied over the Generals in their 4 p.m. game as they hope to close out with a 15-3 card.

The Stags clinched the first semis incentive with a 16-1 slate while the Lions are in second with a 15-2 card with the top two teams clashing in the final elims playdate on Monday.

“We are still hurting from our loss to the Stags but we have to take care of business ahead and move forward,” said Jose Rizal coach Ariel Vanguardia.

“EAC’s been playing very well. It would hurt most if we don’t get this one and the Stags beat the Lions,” he said.

The Generals, however, are also raring to close out their stint the way they started it – with a win.

“Looking back our first win was very special,” said EAC mentor Nomar Isla referring to their 77-69 upset of Mapua in the first round last July 22. “Going to our last game, we want to make it more memorable. It’s going to be tough but we’ll try our luck.”