Well-rested and pumped-up, Letran guns for an eighth straight victory against dangerous Perpetual Help today in the 89th NCAA basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Game time is at 4 p.m. with the Knights expecting a dogfight with an Altas squad coming off a stinging defeat to San Beda.
“We look in good shape, but the players could be a little overeager because of the long break,” said Letran coach Caloy Garcia.
Coming off a morale-boosting victory over San Sebastian, Jose Rizal U hopes to tighten its grip on fourth spot when it tackles Lyceum at 6 p.m.
The Bombers found an unlikely hero in Jordan dela Paz in a 67-63 win over the Stags just before the league went on a break and JRU coach Vergel Meneses can only hope his squad sustains its strong play on both ends of the floor.
A JRU win and a Perpetual Help loss could forge a two-team tie at third spot for the Bombers and the Altas.
The Pirates, who hold a 2-5 record, are looking to wiggle out of a four-team logjam for sixth spot, which also includes St. Benilde, Lyceum and Emilio Aguinaldo College.
Led by Mark Cruz and Raymond Almazan, the Knights have been untouchable this season, racing to a 7-0 start just two weeks before their highly anticipated clash against defending champion San Beda.
Garcia however said they are not looking past the Altas, whom he described as a “very cohesive team” on offense.