SAN Beda University coach Yuri Escueta has one simple reminder for his wards against a red-hot foe: “We have to be smart against JRU.”
Jose Rizal University counterpart Louie Gonzalez intends to counter their opponents’ gameplan by maximizing his team’s depth.
“Siguro iyong first eight ko naka-adjust na pero hindi ako makakatagal dito kung walo o siyam lang ang players na ginagamit ko,” Gonzalez said.
“I need to prepare iyong ninth up to 15th man ko,” he added.
Which ploy will be rewarded with handsome dividends will be known when the Red Lions battle the Heavy Bombers today in the 98th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
The curtain-raiser is set at noon before Perpetual Help squares off with winless Emilio Aguinaldo College at 3 p.m.
San Beda is seeking to force a three-way tie for the lead with College of St. Benilde and Lyceum.
JRU is trying to gain a piece of third if the Bombers could score a fitting follow-up to a 67-64 overtime escape over Mapua University last Friday and hurdle the Lions to stoke their mark to 4-2.
But San Beda, carrying a 4-1 card, is equally keen on pulling off an encore to its 76-68 triumph over defending two-time champion Letran four days ago.
The Lions will rely on James Kwekuteye, Peter Alfaro, Tony Ynot, and JB Bahio.
Ry Dela Rosa, Marwin Dionisio, and JL Delos Santos will be counted upon by JRU.
The Altas are coming off a 61-57 win over San Sebastian College last Saturday.
With Kim Aurin doubtful (fever and cold but COVID-19 negative), Perpetual will bank on Jielo Razon, Cyrus Nitura and Mark Omega to improve its 3-3 slate.
The Generals reeled to their fifth setback in a row, a 61-73 loss to the Blazers, three days ago.
Ralph Robin, Allen Liwag, JP Maguliano will carry the fight for EAC.
