MANILA, Philippines — San Sebastian tries to inch closer toward an outright Final Four slot when it collides with lowly Arellano University today in the 95th NCAA basketball tournament at the Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
The Stags edged Lyceum of the Philippines, 73-71, last week to stay at No. 4 with a 9-7 record. A victory over the Chiefs (4-12) in the 2 p.m. match will give the Stags at least a playoff for the last semis berth.
But if San Sebastian wins its last assignment against Perpetual Help on Oct. 18, it automatically lands in the Final Four and boot Mapua (8-8) and St. Benilde (7-9) out of contention.
“We didn’t make the Final Four last year so the boys are just eager and determined to play again there,” said SSC coach Egay Macaraya, whose charges wound up sixth overall after compiling just six wins in 18 games in the previous season.