Games on Friday (The Arena, San Juan City)
10 a.m. — Arellano vs Mapua (Jrs)
11:45 a.m. — San Sebastian vs Letran (Jrs)
2 p.m. — Arellano vs Mapua (Srs)
4 p.m. — San Sebastian vs Letran (Srs)

League leader San Sebastian College brings out the broom as it tries to sweep the first round against Letran on Friday in the 85th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

The Stags meet the dangerous Knights at 4 p.m. with the hope of clinching their ninth straight win as they press their bid to secure a berth in the Final Four for the first time after four years of futility.

But to do it, they have to hurdle the Knights, who are likewise determined to end their first round campaign on a high note.

The Knights, mentored by multi-titled Louie Alas, have a 5-3 record.

Clashing in the other senior match at 2 p.m. are Mapua and Arellano University.

Fresh from a 96-77 win over Angeles last Wednesday, the Leonard Anquilo-led Chiefs shoot for their fifth win against the Cardinals (1-7).

Anquilo, the smallest player in the league a 5-foot-1, produced 20 points for the Chiefs the last time out.

Though everything seemed going their way, SSC coach Ato Agustin is still wary of their chances against the Knights who are known for their highly-physical game. Agustin admits he’s now feeling the pressure.

“Perhaps, this will be one of our toughest games. May pressure na rin kasi sa amin dahil we’re going for a sweep nga,” Agustin said. “They also have national team players and we have to stop them.”

Led by then Rommel Adducul, the Stags held the distinction of having the longest championship run in modern times when they claimed the title for five straight starting in 1993. Their last taste of glory was during the 2002 edition.

After a series of misfortunes, the Stags appear to have rediscovered their winning touch.

The Stags pulled the rug from under the three-peat champion San Beda Red Lions, 83-77, early in the tournament, and routed last year’s runner-up Jose Rizal University, 91-76.

Credit SSC’s resurgence to Jimbo Aquino.

Aquino is now the league’s hottest property after outshining the league big guns, including Letran’s RJ Jazul and Rey Guevarra, JRU’s John Wilson and James Sena and San Beda’s Garvo Lanete.

Aside from Aquino, also expected to step up for SSC are John Raymundo and Gilbert Bulawan.

“We need to limit their production and stop their pick and roll plays,” Agustin, a former PBA cager who took the coaching reins from Jorge Gallent, said.

For his part, Letran coach Louie Alas, said they will be ready. The Knights are coming off a slim 85-84 overtime win over the Emilio Aguinaldo Generals last week.