Lyceum of the Philippines University and Mapua University will battle for the top spot while Jose Rizal University and San Beda University will look to bounce back on Saturday in NCAA Season 99.
Lyceum and Mapua, which occupy the top two spots, will take centerstage at 3 p.m. while JRU and San Beda, both of whom are coming off losses, will slug it out at 9:30 a.m. Both games will be played at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The absence of big man Shawn Umali, who was suspended following an ejection during their 67-62 escape of San Beda last week, was felt. The third year bruiser, however, is expected to return for the Pirates as they look to stop the streaking Cardinals.
Mapua is riding a three-game winning streak after beating Benilde, EAC, and Letran and a win against Lyceum will mean that the Randy Alcantara-mentored squad will take over the number one spot from the league-leading Lyceum.
Meanwhile, JRU and San Beda will both look to recover from their mishap in their last games.
Protecting a three-game winning streak, the Heavy Bombers were left stunned by San Sebastian College-Recoletos last Tuesday after the Stags pulled off a 72-59 victory behind Jessie Sumoda and Romel Calahat. The loss sent JRU to 4-2 card.
They will be going up against an equally hungry Red Lions, who will be tipped to be without their head coach Yuri Escueta after the second year tactician was ejected early in the game against Lyceum last Sunday.
Still, San Beda has enough manpower to lead the team with the likes of Jacob Cortez, Yukien Andrada, and Damie Cuntapay showing the way for the Mendiola crew.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
