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AUF vs Jose Rizal, San Beda vs CSB
NCAA.org.ph
Reigning three-peat champion San Beda and last year’s runner-up Jose Rizal try to keep their hopes for the twice-to-beat
bonus in the Final Four as the two take on St. Benilde and Angeles U Foundation, respectively, today in the 85th NCAA
basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.
Led by Mark Cagoco’s 19-point performance, the Bombers tamed the Lions, 77-64, last week to seize a share of second
place with their victims on identical 13-2 (win-loss) slates and the equal chance of ending up with the important semi-final
incentive.
The Bombers try to sustain their fiery form as they battle the already-ran Great Danes (1-14) at 2 p.m. while the Lions seek
to get back on the winning track as they tangle with the eliminated Blazers (5-10) at 4 pm.
San Beda though is sure to vent its ire on St. Benilde after the former’s 12-game streak was put to a stop by Jose Rizal, the
same team the Mendiola-based school edged in a thrilling three-game finale for to complete its three-peat feat last season.
“After our recent loss, we’re left with no choice but to win our remaining games because our goal of gaining the twice-to-
beat advantage in the Final Four is still realizable,” said San Beda mentor Frankie Lim, who steered the Lions to the last
three of their three titles in row.
After their foes today, the Bombers’ last opponents are the seemingly invincible San Sebastian Stags, unbeaten in 15
outings, on Monday and the ousted Emilio Aguinaldo Generals on Oct. 5 while the Lions battle the Letran Knights, at No. 4
with an 11-5 (win-loss) record, on Sept. 30 and the Stags on Oct. 7.
NCAA.org.ph
Reigning three-peat champion San Beda and last year’s runner-up Jose Rizal try to keep their hopes for the twice-to-beat
bonus in the Final Four as the two take on St. Benilde and Angeles U Foundation, respectively, today in the 85th NCAA
basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.
Led by Mark Cagoco’s 19-point performance, the Bombers tamed the Lions, 77-64, last week to seize a share of second
place with their victims on identical 13-2 (win-loss) slates and the equal chance of ending up with the important semi-final
incentive.
The Bombers try to sustain their fiery form as they battle the already-ran Great Danes (1-14) at 2 p.m. while the Lions seek
to get back on the winning track as they tangle with the eliminated Blazers (5-10) at 4 pm.
- Jose Rizal is expected to run over AUF, a team the Kalentong-
based school whitewashed, 82-53, in the first round last July 22.
- “Our goal now is to finish in the top two and the twice-to-beat
advantage that goes with it so every win is important,” said Jose
Rizal coach Ariel Vanguardia, who is hoping to steer his team to
its first crown since going all the way 37 seasons ago.
- Leading MVP candidate John Wilson managed 11 points, three
board, two assists and two steals in their previous win in spite
coming in with high fever. The talented 6’3” wingman is expected
to return fresh and fully recovered against AUF.
- While the Bombers are expected to have a walk in the park
against their next opponents, the Lions should find some
resistance against the Blazers, who should be riding the crest of
a 74-61 triumph over the Great Danes Friday.
San Beda though is sure to vent its ire on St. Benilde after the former’s 12-game streak was put to a stop by Jose Rizal, the
same team the Mendiola-based school edged in a thrilling three-game finale for to complete its three-peat feat last season.
“After our recent loss, we’re left with no choice but to win our remaining games because our goal of gaining the twice-to-
beat advantage in the Final Four is still realizable,” said San Beda mentor Frankie Lim, who steered the Lions to the last
three of their three titles in row.
After their foes today, the Bombers’ last opponents are the seemingly invincible San Sebastian Stags, unbeaten in 15
outings, on Monday and the ousted Emilio Aguinaldo Generals on Oct. 5 while the Lions battle the Letran Knights, at No. 4
with an 11-5 (win-loss) record, on Sept. 30 and the Stags on Oct. 7.
