Games Tomorrow

(The Arena, San Juan)

10 a.m. – SSC vs EAC (Jrs)

11:45 a.m. – SBC vs Perpetual (Jrs)

2 p.m. – SSC vs EAC (Srs)

4 p.m. – SBC vs Perpetual (Srs)

It’s too early to determine the probable candidates for the MVP plum this year, but John Wilson is already making a statement.

Wilson dished out his best game so far this season to help Jose Rizal University hold off the tough challenge of Arellano University, 88-82, in the 85th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.

After scoring 21, 19 and 22 points in the team’s first three games, Wilson sizzled for 26 markers yesterday as the Heavy Bombers extended their winning run – their best start in years.

The 6-foot-2 guard nearly posted a near triple-double performance after coming through with 9 rebounds and seven assists.

"Before the game, I told my players that I’m sick and they have to assert themselves on the floor more. I’m glad this player saved me in this game," said JRU mentor Ariel Vanguardia, who was seated behind Wilson.

Unlike in their previous blowout wins, the Bombers, however, had to work hard for this one.

Trailing 78-81, the Girgio Ciriacruz hit a jumper to get the Chiefs within one with 46.7 seconds.

But Wilson, who was also perfect from the foul line in 10 attempts, sank his free throws in the next play for an 83-80 lead before the Bombers came through with a defensive gem to get back the possession.

Ildefonso Bulangis split his charities with 24 ticks left to give JRU an 84-80 lead, which they did not relinquish until the final horn sounded in the season’s best game so far.

The victory negated the stellar performance of the league’s smallest player – the 5-foot-1 point guard Leonard Anquillo, who banged in 18 points he laced with two assists and two steals.

Later in the day, University of Perpetual Help finally nailed its first win in four starts by downing Angeles University Foundation, 94-84.