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Projected Line for September 10, 2012 (Monday):
NCAA Season 88
4pm Game: SSC-8.5 v MIT+7.5
6pm Game: CSB+6.5 v CSJL-7.5

In the seniors matches, the Mapua Cardinals will again meet the San Sebastian Stags. In their previous match, the Cardinals prevailed, 61-54 with rookie Joseph Eriobu leading all scorers with 15 markers.

The Cardinals looks to keep their Final Four dream alive with a win today after coming off a devastating 59-57 loss last Thursday against Arellano.

Last August 6, the Stags were held to what could be their lowest output in two quarters at 15 points at the half.

This time around, aside from having a new coach, San Sebastian is out to avenge their first round loss. Back to their true form, the Pinatubo Trio of Ian Sangalang, Calvin Abueva and Ronald Pascual will try to contain Joseph Eriobu, Mike Parala and Josan Nimes.

In the other game, an explosive return is expected from Joel Tolentino of St. Benilde, who is coming off a three-game suspension.

The suspension came after the EAC-CSB melee in the first round that also gave EAC Coach Gerry Esplana, Rhoel Maconocido, Jorem Morada and Francis Munsayac one-game suspensions.

Tolentino led the Blazers to a 77-60 win over the Knights last July 9 after scoring a team-high 17 points.

Letran played without Jam Cortes (one-game suspension), Jamil Gabawan, Joel Gabriel and Raymund Almazan (due to injuries) in that game.

With a complete lineup, Coach Louie Alas said, “Kahit 1 point lang kami manalo ok lang basta mailaro nila yung gusto kong ilaro nila. This will be a good matchup.”

The Knights still have a shot to catch the Final Four bus now that they are just half-a-game behind fourth placer JRU. Letran has a 7-6 record while the Heavy Bombers has an 8-5 slate.

CSB’s Coach Richard Del Rosario said, “We just don’t want to end up at the last place. We’re not thinking of the Final Four anymore. The team said, they just want to improve and gain their confidence back in the next games.”