MANILA, Philippines — The College of Saint Benilde Blazers are targeting their third consecutive victory as they square off against the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament on Tuesday, September 22.
Coming off dominant back-to-back victories to solidify their position atop Group A, the Blazers will collide with the Heavy Bombers at 3:00 p.m. in an expectedly physical matchup. The afternoon double-header will conclude with a 5:00 p.m. showdown between the Arellano University Chiefs and the Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Generals.
Benilde will rely heavily on key contributors Matthew Jucom, Justine Sanchez, Alaine Cajucom, and Irele Galas as the team continues to navigate the absence of star big man Allen Liwag.
However, JRU enters the contest fresh off a morale-boosting 65-64 comeback victory against the Mapua Cardinals, decided by a late game-winning three-pointer from Sean Salvador. The Heavy Bombers also benefit from extra rest following the weather-induced postponement of their Friday clash against San Beda.
Salvador, alongside Lawrence Mangubat and Allan Laurenaria, will spearhead JRU’s bid to claim another win in the opening round and snap an eight-game losing skid against Benilde that dates back to Season 98.
In the second fixture, coach Chico Manabat’s Arellano Chiefs aim to preserve momentum following a decisive 98-72 blowout over the San Sebastian Stags. Led by T-Mc Ongotan, Basti Valencia, and Renzo Abiera, the Chiefs look to keep pace with Benilde and the Letran Knights in the upper tier of the standings.
EAC, on the other hand, hopes to rebound from an 83-72 setback against the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, leaning on EJ Castillo, Harvae Raymundo, and Jude Bagay to secure their first victory of the season.