EAC clashes with JRU; Mapua, St. Benilde collide

AKTV/Paul Ryan Tan

After a ten-day break, the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals will try to build on their first win of the season when they take on unbeaten Jose Rizal University at 4 p.m. in the 88th Season of the NCAA at the FilOil-Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Coming off a pulsating 75-72 win over the cellar-dwelling Arellano Chiefs last June 25, the Generals will again lean on Cedric Noube Happi to take care of the paint while guards Jan Jamon and John Tayongtong lead the scoring attack for the Gerry Esplana-mentored squad.

JRU guard Nate Matute, who is coming off a career-high 29-point performance in their 82-70 win over Arellano last week, is expected to carry the scoring load again alongside John Lopez, who averages 13 points per game.

Heavy Bombers coach Vergel Meneses is banking on his two veterans to bring their A-Games against the rejuvenated Generals.

Mapua, who lost their opening day assignment against JRU, 65-64, will try to breathe some new life into their campaign when they take on the College of St. Benilde Blazers at 6 p.m. in just their second game of the season.

Still playing with a crippled 11-man lineup, the Cardinals will shoot for their first win behind reigning NCAA Rookie of the Year Josan Nimes, Jonathan Banal and Mike Parala as they await a verdict on their appeal regarding their four rookies.

A source told InterAKTV that the appeal made by Mapua last week on the eligibility of rookies Gab Banal, Joseph Eriobu, Jessie Saitanan and Mark Braña will be discussed early next week.

The Blazers, holding a 1-1 win-loss slate, are coming off a heartbreaking 95-93 defeat at the hands of San Sebastian.

Carlo Lastimosa had the chance to send that game into overtime but his shot was stopped by the Stags.

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