Kevin Racal. Photo by Tristan Rafael Tamayo
Suprise leader Letran tries to stretch its unbeaten run even as San Sebastian and St. Benilde collide in a battle of struggling teams Tuesday in the 91st NCAA basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Armed with a perfect 6-0 record, the Knights take the floor at 4 p.m. against the Lyceum Pirates who have won only once in their first six games.
Locked in a four-team tie for seventh with the Pirates and the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals with similar 1-5 records, the Stags and Blazers clash at 2 p.m.
With teams in the upper half of the standings threatening to pull away, both St. Benilde and San Sebastian are hard-pressed to pick up a win and stay within range of the Top 4.
The Stags are seeking to bounce back from a 71-77 loss to the Generals last Friday.
Stifling opponents with its pressure defense, Letran has toppled all four semifinalists last season and looks primed to sweep the first round.
Knights coach Aldin Ayo expects no letup from his squad which is looking to match the 7-0 start of the Letran team two seasons ago.
“If we keep playing with urgency and desperation, there’s no reason we can’t keep the streak going,” said Ayo.
Kevin Racal erupted for a season-best 24 points in the win against Arellano last Friday.
Under Ayo, Letran has beaten defending champion San Beda (5-1) and title-contenders Perpetual Help (4-2) and Jose Rizal (4-2).