Fresh from scoring its biggest win, Jose Rizal University guns for a fourth straight victory when it plays Mapua in the NCAA basketball tournament at the Astrodome in Pasay City today.

The Heavy Bombers and Cardinals tangle at 2 p.m. with the Mandaluyong-based squad determined to follow up their stunning 79-74 win over defending champion San Beda two days back.

Despite their win over the Red Lions, JRU coach Ariel Vanguardia is not taking the Cardinals lightly.

“Marami silang big men that could match up with (James) Sena,” said Vanguardia. “We have to defend well against (Kelvin) dela Peña at (Allan) Mangahas.”

Clashing in the other senior match at 4 p.m. are San Sebastian and College of St. Benilde.

In the juniors action, the Staglets, the defending champions, collide with La Salle-Greenhills at 12 noon while the Light Bombers tackle lowly Malayan High School of Science at 10 a.m.

The 6-foot-6 Sena, Marc Cagoco and John Wilson are again expected to lead the assault for the Heavy Bombers who have won their last three games after dropping their first two games.

Sena and Cagoco each fired 18 points while Wilson had 9 points – all of them from the three-point territory that helped turn the game in their favor.

Sena will be challenged by Neil and Jason Pascual and Mark Sarangay in the shaded lane.

A JRU victory will enable the Heavy Bombers to tie the Red Lions at No. 2 with a 4-2 card. Having a 4-2 card, the Cardinals could occupy the solo second with a win.

With the Blazers scoring a big win via a boardroom battle, the Stags must beat them to boost their Final Four bid.

The Management Committee (Mancom) yesterday forfeited the won game by San Beda over CSB after center Sam Ekwe wore an old uniform during their game last week.

The Stags, mentored by Jorge Gallent, have only two wins to show in six starts.

Gallent hopes they can make use of their height advantage over the Blazers.

Jim Viray and Jimbo Aquino are likely to operate from the perimeter area.

The Recto-based squad is fresh from a 71-64 win over Philippine Christian University.

The Blazers have not won on the court since beating University of Perpetual Help, 61-54, last July 2.
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