MAPUA puts its hold on the top spot on the line against Lyceum of the Philippines University today as the NCAA men’s basketball tournament resumes at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

The Cardinals and the Pirates, who are currently at 1-2 in the standings with 9-2 and 8-3 records, respectively, duke it out at 3:30 p.m.

Emilio Aguinaldo College, one game out of the last Final Four slot, plays defending champion Letran in the first game at 1:30 p.m.

Coach Randy Alcantara knows that these close games is what Mapua really needs to experience especially when it faces bigger battles.

And last Saturday’s come-from-behind 69-66 win over the struggling Knights was a test of character for the Cardinals.

“Sabi ko nga, ito yung mga kailangan naming laro, ‘yung lalabas ang character ng team,” Alcantara said. “‘Di talaga kami puwede magpabaya, stay composed.”

“Sa wakas, ‘yung mga ganung sitwasyon ay kailangan namin malampasan,” he added.

Mapua will turn to the dynamic trio of Paolo Hernandez, Clint Escamis, and Warren Bonifacio when the going gets tough.

LPU, meanwhile, used the week-long break to regain its bearings.

Coming off a scrambling 81-78 win over the Generals last Saturday, the Pirates hope to have a healthy Enoch Valdez back after a bout of fever, as well as John Barba and JM Bravo, who suffered injuries in the game.

Fortunately for LPU, unheralded Oman Omandac stepped up for his team to remain in the top two.

Coach Gilbert Malabanan said this just shows the unpredictability of his Pirates.

“That’s the good thing dito sa team ko. My team is very unpredictable,” Malabanan said. “Parang lahat ng players ko they are always ready.”

AUTHOR PROFILE

Theodore P. Jurado