FIVE-PEAT champion San Beda clashes with dangerous Jose Rizal University (JRU) on Thursday with an eye on no less than the solo lead in the 91st National Collegiate Athletic Association basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.
The Red Lions opened their second-round campaign by routing the Emilio Aguinaldo Generals, 96-84, and the College of Saint Benilde Blazers, 89-63, last week to jump to the top alongside the Letran Knights with identical 9-2 (win-loss) records.
San Beda will clinch the solo lead if it beats JRU in the 4 p.m. duel.
Arthur de la Cruz, one of the top contenders in the Most Valuable Player race who was drafted ninth overall by Blackwater in this year’s Philippine Basketball Association Draft, is the player to watch after he averaged 23.5 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and two steals in his team’s last two triumphs.
It was also de la Cruz who delivered when San Beda beat JRU, 88-69, in the first round. In that game, de la Cruz dropped 29 points and had six rebounds, nine assists and four steals.
The Heavy Bombers are also hoping to use their 114-112 double-overtime win over the Arellano University Chiefs last week as inspiration against the heavily favored Lions.
Mapua, meanwhile, hopes to ride the crest of its shock 70-65 upset of Perpetual Help a week ago as it faces off with unpredictable San Sebastian at 2 p.m.
The Cardinals, currently at No. 5 with a 5-5 card, will still miss CJ Isit (dislocated elbow) and Andretti Stevens. Josan Nimes is expected to return to action on Thursday.