EAC, CSB try to boost Final 4 hopes in 87th NCAA

Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) and College of Saint Benilde (CSB) race for the No. 4 spot Wednesday in the 87th NCAA men's basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City. The Generals and Blazers square off at 2 p.m. as they try to join Lyceum of the Philippines University at fourth with a 4-5 win-loss card. EAC and CSB are both coming off stinging losses to drop to 3-5 but they are still within reach for a spot in the Final Four in the league. CSB is suffered a 64-60 loss to Arellano while EAC bowed to Final Four contender Letran College, 76-67, last Friday. CSB coach Richard Del Rosario said that the match against EAC is crucial because a loss can drop to eighth in the standings depending on the results of the other games. "The result could define our season," said Del Rosario. "We need to play with a sense of urgency and come out aggressive." In the second game, Arellano University goes for its third win when it takes on University of Perpetual Help System DALTA at 4 p.m. The Chiefs snapped their five-game losing skid when they defeated CSB, 64-60, last Friday to climb to a 2-6 win-loss card. Arellano coach Leo Isaac said that winning back-to-back games this season will be a big morale booster for the Chiefs going into their second round campaign. "Sometimes, the game hasn't started but you can see the fear in the eyes of the players when they go up against a tough team. We have to take away that kind of attitude," said Isaac in Filipino. The Altas were upended by Mapua Institute of Technology, 65-63, last Monday to drop a 1-7 win-loss card and remain at the cellar. - Reuben Terrado/JVP, GMA News