Games today (Filoil Flying V Centre, San Juan)
2 p.m. – St. Benilde vs Jose Rizal
4 p.m. – San Sebastian vs EAC
MANILA, Philippines — College of St. Benilde, even minus its suspended coach and an injured starting guard, is raring to end a two-game skid as it clashes with an unpredictable Jose Rizal today in the 95th NCAA basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
CSB will have to make do without coach TY Tang, who was suspended for a game after he was ejected for a misconduct in their last outing, and starter Jimbo Pasturan, who was ruled out for the rest of the season after he dislocated his left shoulder in a loss to unbeaten San Beda last week.
“JRU is a tough team. Coach Louie (Gonzales) has done great with the program. It will be a hard game for us especially since we’ve been slumping,” said CSB assistant Charles Tiu, who would take over the reins in lieu of Tang in the 2 p.m. match.
Meanwhile, San Sebastian, at fifth with a 4-3 mark, hopes to catch up with Letran (5-3) at No. 4 as it faces off with Emilio Aguinaldo at 4 p.m.
The Stags have racked up two straight victories by outgunning the Letran Knights (102-101) on Aug. 20 and the Perpetual Help Altas, 107-90, a week ago. And they are expected to fire and shoot at will again against the Generals, who are struggling with a 1-7 card.