MANILA, Philippines — San Sebastian faces Lyceum of the Phl U today, seeking a third straight victory and a share of the lead with idle San Beda even as Letran shoots for a fourth straight win after an opening game setback in the 95th NCAA basketball tournament at the Flying V Center in San Juan City.
The Stags posted a pair of lopsided victories over the Jose Rizal Bombers (82-51) and the Mapua Cardinals (92-68) to open their campaign but they expect a tough challenge from the Pirates in their 2 p.m. clash.
Runner-up in the last two seasons, Lyceum totes a 2-1 card for solo fifth in the 10-team tournament.
The Pirates hope to slow down RK Ilagan, who has dished out career-high performances of 22.5 points a game on top of 6.5 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals as San Sebastian lorded it over the field in the early going of the season with league-best norms of 87 points.
The Stags also proved tough in defense, holding down opponents to 59.5 points a game, next to Lions’ 56.7-point average.
“LPU will be a big test for us. More or less, we can gauge our campaign on how we will fare against a seasoned team like them,” said SSC coach Egay Macaraya.
The Knights are likewise on a kind of streak, sweeping their last three games, including an 82-80 overtime cliffhanger over the Perpetual Help Altas last Friday, to improve to a 3-1 record.
They face the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, struggling with a 1-2 slate, at 4 p.m.