LYCEUM of the Philippines University shoots for a share of the lead when it plays Jose Rizal University (JRU) today, October 7, in the NCAA Season 98 men’s basketball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

The Pirates are in solo second place with a 5-1 card, a half-game behind the College of St. Benilde Blazers who are on top carrying a 6-1 record. The Blazers claimed the solo lead following a 73-64 win against Mapua last Wednesday.

The game between Lyceum and JRU is set for 3 p.m., right after the 12 noon encounter between Arellano University and San Beda University.

The Red Lions are nursing a heartbreaking 83-80 loss against the Heavy Bombers last Tuesday that forced a tie between the two teams for third and fourth places in the team standings.

On the other hand, the Chiefs are coming off a 64-59 win against the Cardinals over the weekend, and are now tied for fifth to seventh spots with the Perpetual Help Altas and the defending champion Letran Knights, all with identical 4-3 cards.

All eyes, however, are on the Pirates as the team of coach Gilbert Malabanan tries to keep their win streak going.

The last time Lyceum dropped a game was during its opening match when it suffered an 86-69 beating from the Blazers on September 11.

Since then, the Pirates went on a roll. Lyceum is fresh from an 82-75 conquest against Letran last Sunday, and Malabanan said he is very much satisfied with the way his team has performed. His hope is for the players to sustain their energy throughout the season.

“Maganda tinatakbo so far, pero siyempre maski naman na may sistema tayo na ini-implement, mga players pa

din ang magta-trabaho talaga sa loob ng court,” said Malabanan, a former Perpetual Help Altas star player.

“Sila ang nakikipag-banggaan e. So nasa kanila pa rin kung saan mapupunta ang team. Against naman JRU, ganun pa rin, we just have to follow the game plan and stay focused on the game.”