SAN SEBASTIAN College and Jose Rizal University (JRU) collide in a win-or-go-home first phase of the stepladder semifinals of the 93rd National Collegiate Athletic Association Season seniors basketball tournament today at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Michael Calisaan is hoping to ride the momentum of his best performance as a college player when they face the Heavy Bombers at 3 p.m.
Calisaan enters the game brimming with confidence he drew from a career-high 36-point effort in the Stags’ 74-69 victory over the Letran Knights last Tuesday that secured San Sebastian its first semifinals appearance in six seasons.
“I’m excited to play my first game in the Final Four,” Calisaan said.
JRU is back in the semifinals after missing the bus last season and owns the favorite’s tag for sweeping San Sebastian in the eliminations—73-62 in the first round and 60-58 in the second.
Bombers coach Vergel Meneses, however, stressed its back to zero for them.
“I’ve been in basketball for so long that anything can happen in a playoff game. For us, we just have to be focused and ready for anything,” Meneses said.
The game is expected to get physical as both teams are known for their tough defense. The Stags have limited their opponents to 69 points a game, a shade shy of the Bombers’ 70.2 norm.
And San Sebastian Coach Egay Macaraya knows they are in for a tough match.
“JRU is an experienced team and always a tough team to play because of their rugged defense,” Macaraya said.
In juniors’ action, San Beda and defending champion Mapua try to forge a best-of-three title showdown as they take on Saint Benilde-La Salle Greenhills and Letran at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., respectively.
The Cubs and Red Robins clinched the twice-to-beat advantage by finishing first and second in the eliminations.