SSC, CSB clash for early NCAA lead

MANILA, Philippines – More than the top spot at stake, early leaders San Sebastian and College of Saint Benilde aim to accomplish half of their mission this season when they clash on Wednesday at The Arena in San Juan City. Golden Stags coach Ato Agustin and Blazers mentor Richard Del Rosario actually have an almost synonymous goal and that is to focus their energy to create the foundation of a successful 85th NCAA men’s basketball tournament season. Agustin, a former Philippine Basketball Association most valuable player, wants the Stags to maintain their killers instinct and avoid being complacent after winning their initial first two assignments. “Respect for all teams is what I need from the boys. We cannot just go in a match thinking that it will be a stroll in the park," said Agustin, whose boys have won over the Perpetual Help Altas, 76-64, in the season opener. They followed that up with an 83-77 triumph over the three-time defending champion San Beda Red Lions after four days as if making a strong statement that they are ready to once again contend against the league’s top teams. “We will treat every team like San Beda, because every team has the capability to defeat us," said Agustin, who took over the coaching chores from Jorge Gallent, regarding their 4:00 p.m. encounter with the Blazers. For CSB, coach Del Rosario he believes that a victory against the Stags will be pivotal since it will not only earn the Blazers respect from the other teams but it will also gauge how would they end the first round since their next two games will be against powerhouse San Beda on July 13 and perennial contender Letran on July 20. “This is pivotal for us considering that after San Sebastian we will face San Beda and after that Letran," said Del Rosario regarding the challenges that awaits the Blazers, win or lose against the Stags. “Whether we like it or not, the next three games will be the team's biggest challenges," Del Rosario added. Letran and Perpetual Help, meanwhile, collide in the 2:00 p.m. opener where they hope to end their respective 0-2 start. Altas coach Boris Aldeguer, who replaced Bai Cristobal on the bench, believes that he must instill discipline in their offense to address their lack in height. “We are a very small team. To address that we must clearly play a disciplined game." His counterpart at the Letran bench, Louis Alas, is optimistic that the Knights can still catch up as the season progresses. “We still have time to catch up. But we don't have to put ourselves in a hole so deep that we can't climb out of." – Perry Legaspi, GMANews.TV