TWO giants collide in one of the most anticipated showdowns of the tournament, as San Beda tries to remain unbeaten against the dangerous Mapua in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 92 seniors basketball on Thursday at The Arena in San Juan City.
The duel starts at 4 p.m., with the league-leading Red Lions (6-0) trying to stretch their unbeaten start to seven games while the hungry Cardinals (5-1) are eyeing a victory that will put them in a tie for the top spot.
San Beda fought back from a 22-point deficit to slay perennial contender Arellano University, 101-86, while Mapua proved its mastery over San Sebastian, 88-75, to bounce back from its stinging loss to the Chiefs nine days ago.
“It’s going to be tough playing a team like Mapua,” San Beda Head Coach Jamike Jarin said.
Davons Potts is expected to deliver another big-time performance, as he unleashed 31 points against Arellano, to provide more firepower to the already formidable team of Donald Tankoua, Javee Mocon and Dan Sara.
Mapua, on the other hand, will be bannered by reigning Most Valuable Player Allwell Oraeme, who is averaging 17 points, a league-best 19.2 rebounds and 3.2 blocks a game.
Cardinals Head Coach Atoy Co will also have veteran guard CJ Isit, Exeqiel Biteng and Darell Menina.
In the equally exciting first game, defending champions Letran aims to break away from a three-way tie as it battles Jose Rizal University (JRU) at 2 p.m.
The Knights were held down to their lowest scoring output of the season when they bowed to University of Perpetual Help, 55-61, last week. Rey Nambatac led Letran 19 points, which fell to 4-2 won-loss record for a share of third spot with the Altas and the Chiefs.