NCAA S87: SBC vs JRU

History Lesson:
In his second game back from a groin injury, Nate Matute nailed back to back triples that gave the Heavy Bombers a 60-59 lead, which they later grew to 62-60 on a John Villarias basket. Unfortunately, things stopped there for JRU, as the Red Lions drew five points off a flagrant foul whistled on Ronnel Carampil who was a bit too zealous trying to stop a fastbreak play by Rome Dela Rosa. JRU would go on to score just seven more points, as San Beda finally put the clamps down and owned this game, 77-69, as sloppy late-game execution did them in.  (Recap here)

SBC Stat to Watch : The first time they played, JRU held the Red Lions to a season-low five fastbreak points, negating the primary strategy of San Beda. Though the defending champs were still able to score and win the game, head coach Frankie Lim has made it clear that he wants his squad to get out in transition. In the second round, the Red Lions are averaging 11.67 fastbreak points, but the coaching staff no doubt wants that number somewhere near the 16.5 first round average San Beda began with.
SBC Player to Watch : Garvo Lanete bounced back from scoring just nine points versus Perpetual Help by dropping 21 against EAC in their succeeding game, shooting 71 percent from the field. The Red Lions are no doubt hoping the strong, consistent performances keeps up, as he was a virtual no-show late in the fourth quarter against rivals San Sebastian. 

JRU Stat to Watch : The Heavy Bombers were able to pull together a 79-69 win over the Arellano Chiefs despite turning the ball over 27 times in the 40 minutes, as the Chiefs scored just 20 turnover points. When they first played San Beda, JRU committed 21 errors and gave up 19 turnover points to San Beda. But if the Red Lions get their running game going, this is just going to add fuel to that fire and blow up in the faces of the Heavy Bombers.
JRU Player to Watch : Rookie John Villarias has taken over the top scoring position of JRU from John Lopez, norming 10.6 points. The long, athletic, do-it-all player has averages of 10.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists, and scored 14 in round one versus these guys, but it will be his defense on the San Beda shooters that will affect the box score more than his own production.

Prediction: SBC Red Lions