Pirates gun for seventh straight win vs Blazers

LEAGUE-leading Lyceum of the Philippines University stakes its unblemished slate against the dangerous College of St. Benilde (CSB) while Colegio de San Juan de Letran seeks to stretch its winning streak versus Arellano University in the Season 94 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) seniors basketball today at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.

Just like the rest of the league, Lyceum head coach Topex Robinson knows that St. Benilde is keen on beating them in their encounter.

“We know that teams now are going to play motivated-- they’re going to bring their best basketball game against us. That’s the price of being there on top. But we rather take the challenge than to be the laughingstock again of the NCAA, which was us three years ago,” said Robinson.

“If they (St. Benilde) are going to make us better, that’s gonna be good for us in the long run,” he added.

The Pirates cruised to a pristine 6-0 record and extended their elimination round streak to 24 wins after demolishing University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, 91-77, last Friday.

Reigning MVP CJ Perez, who is putting up norms of 20.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 3.5 steals, is tabbed to anchor Lyceum’s attack along with Cameroonian center Mike Nzeusseu and the Marcelino twins.

CSB, on the other hand, is eager to erase the pain of its 60-64 defeat to Letran in the fourth NCAA On Tour hosted by the latter last Thursday.

Ty Tang’s Blazers are also eyeing to improve their 2-3 slate as they look to bank on Clement Leutcheu, Edward Dixon and Unique Naboa.

Meanwhile, Letran (3-1) is aiming to extend its four- game winning roll in its scuffle with Arellano (2-2). Head coach Jeff Napa wants his Knights to gear up against the speedy Chiefs led by his former player Levi Dela Cruz.

But Jerry Codiñera’s Chiefs are raring to march back to winning track following an 8391 setback to Mapua University a week ago. In the game day opener at

bounce-back win-seeking Mapua (2-2) takes on the skidding San Sebastian College-Recoletos (2-4).