Games today:
(Filoil EcoOil Centre)
3 p.m. — Letran vs Mapua
Letran College is out to prove that its finals victory was no fluke when it tangles with Mapua University in Season 98 National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament today at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Game time is at 3 p.m. with the Knights and the Cardinals revisiting the rivalry that erupted when they clash in the
best-of-three finals last season.
The Knights, behind Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player Rhenz Abando and Jeo Ambohot, emerged victorious but the Cardinals made a promise of bouncing back the moment their paths crossed again.
Abando and Ambohot are no longer around after deciding to join the Korean Basketball League and Philippine Basketball Association, respectively, but the Knights remain solid as they are now bannered by Fran Yu, Brent Paraiso, King Caralipio and Louie Sangalang.
Not to be outdone, the Cardinals remain intact starring Season 97 Most Improved Player Paolo Hernandez, Warren Bonifacio, Arvin Gamboa, Brian Lacap and Jasper Salenga.
Although the Knights saw their 14-game winning streak snapped by Arellano University last week, 72-69, they reacted positively as they hammered an 81-75 victory over erstwhile unbeaten College of Saint Benilde.
But against Mapua, Letran coach Bonnie Tan is tipped to go all out, knowing that the Cardinals are out to seek vengeance after they spoiled what could have been their first title since 1991.
“We expect a tough game from them. In fact, a lot of our games have been close this season. I told the boys that I hope we can get more wins this season,” said Tan, who drew a career-high 25 points from Paraiso last Friday against the Blazers.
“They’re a tough and experienced team so we hope we will be able to execute our game plan.”
But Mapua is struggling.
Despite being touted as heavy favorites, the Cardinals suffered a three-game losing streak in the early stretch of the season, bowing to Lyceum of the Philippines University, San Sebastian College and University of Perpetual Help System Dalta to settle for a 1-3 win-loss card.
Cardinals head coach Randy Alcantara said despite the departure of Abando and Ambohot, Letran will still be a problem in the shaded area with big men like Pao Javillonar and Sangalang patrolling the paint with authority.
“We expect it’s going to be a physical game against Letran,” said Alcantara, who drew 12 points from Gamboa last Friday against the Altas.