CSB Blazers eye quick turnaround against dangerous JRU Bombers

Games on Tuesday
(MOA Arena)
11 a.m. – CSB vs JRU
2:30 p.m. – San Beda vs Mapua
5 p.m.- SSC-R vs EAC

COLLEGE of St. Benilde (CSB) aims to recover from a sudden loss of confidence in the couple of games as it shoots to keep its loosening grip of the lead against a dangerous Jose Rizal University (JRU) on  Tuesday in NCAA Season 100 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

The CSB Blazers have played horrendously in their last two outings, escaping past the San Sebastian College-Recoletos Stags, 96-94, in overtime Tuesday and succumbing to the Arellano University Chiefs, 73-71, Friday that saw it from being alone at the helm to now sharing it with the Mapua University Cardinals on 6-2 slates.

They battle the JRU Bombers, who improved to 3-5 with a 75-63 win over the Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Generals on Saturday, at 11 a.m. Tuesday with nothing in mind of getting the win that will seal them the No. 1 spot entering the second and last round.

But JRU coach Louie Gonzales vowed to give CSB a run for its money.

“We will do our best to give them a fight,” said Mr. Gonzales.

Mapua University, for its part, will try to keep close to the lead, if not snatch it entirely, as it tangles with defending champion San Beda University (SBU) (5-3) in a 2:30 p.m. showdown that could be a sneak preview of this year’s finale.

The Cardinals will bring with them a three-game streak that they capped with a 77-71 win over the EAC Generals Wednesday while the SBU Red Lions have been on a two-game roll following squeakers over the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights, 66-64, Tuesday and the University of Perpetual Help Altas, 63-62, Saturday.

Reigning MVP Clint Escamis vowed to serve San Beda, their conquerors from last season’s finals, a dish best served cold — vengeance.

“We’ve been looking forward to this match after we lost to them in the finals last year,” said Mr. Escamis.

Meanwhile, EAC (3-5) and SSC-R (2-6) will try to resuscitate its waning Final Four campaign as the two collide at 5 p.m. — Joey Villar