THE race to the NCAA Final Four has become wilder this past week, so do expect some twists taking place in this week's Power Rankings.
1. San Beda Red Lions (10-2)
It was a tough call if San Beda will take the top spot or not. Both the Red Lions and the Letran Knights won their games, but the Knights faced a likely also-ran squad and the Red Lions took on a Final Four contender. The results were expected: Letran mauled Lyceum and San Beda just subdued JRU. I had to give it to the Lions in the end. After all, San Beda's closeout was the better one. The Red Lions went on a 16-6 run in the final 6:30 of the match.
2. Letran Knights (10-2)
While it boiled down to the better clutch moment, Letran's fourth quarter heroics is something not to pass up. Mark Cruz sizzled for 17 of his 26 points in the final quarter, something similar to his clutch moment against San Sebastian in the first round. If you're surprised that the "Ant-Man" slipped to the third round of the PBA Draft, we have the same sentiment.
3. Arellano Chiefs (8-4)
Arellano is back in contention for a twice-to-beat edge after scoring back-to-back wins this past week. The highlight of the week? Jio Jalalon posting 32-10-15 against Scottie Thompson and Perpetual Help on Friday.
4. Perpetual Help Altas (8-4)
Despite the loss, though, Thompson also put up a triple-double. The fifth pick of the PBA Draft made 24-12-11 in that game against Arellano. Probably, the only way you saw this one heck of an ace showdown aside from possibly the NBA was in the anime Kuroko No Basket.
5. Mapua Cardinals (6-5)
Josan Nimes made a return for Mapua to give the team an 87-78 victory against San Sebastian. The King Cardinal, the 12th pick of the PBA Draft, made 18 points and six assists in the win, throwing his squad back to the Final Four conversation. Take note that the Cardinals has a match at hand, but they will utilize it against the JRU Heavy Bombers on Tuesday.
6. JRU Heavy Bombers (6-5)
Speaking of the Heavy Bombers, they nearly pulled an upset against the Red Lions. Tey Teodoro, who was stifled by the San Beda defense in the first half, sizzled in the second, but it felt short in the end. The probable back-breaker? Paolo Pontejos missing all his three free throws off a foul from beyond the arc late in the match.
7. CSB Blazers (3-9)
Jonathan Grey sizzled this past week for CSB. After posting 22 points in a loss to Arellano last Tuesday, The 6-3 wingman nearly achieved a triple-double in a rout of EAC. Another player with a sensational week? J.J. Domingo (16 ppg this past week).
8. San Sebastian Golden Stags (3-9)
Despite losing to Mapua, San Sebastian still put up a gallant effort, cutting the lead to as low as five with under a minute left. Now, the Golden Stags may need to win all of their remaining games to keep their flickering hopes alive.
9. Lyceum Pirates (3-9)
Lyceum just had a very tough week. The Pirates were limited to only 42 points against the Altas last Tuesday before getting blown out anew by Letran on Friday. After putting up a good fight in three of its first four seasons in the league, Lyceum could be in for its worst men's basketball season as member of the NCAA.
10. EAC Generals (2-10)
Speaking of worst season, EAC could also be bound for that. The Generals were on the wrong end of an 81-57 bludgeoning of the Blazers, further worsening the league-worst win-loss slate. I guess I already called it--the Generals are gone from playoff contention.
(Note: The opinions of the writer do not reflect that of Dugout Philippines.)
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