Letran shoots for a third victory but remains wary of an opponent that just suffered from a 43-point beating.
Aiming for their first back-to-back wins, the Knights take on the St. Benilde Blazers in the 93rd NCAA men’s basketball tournament Thursday.
“They’re a resilient team and we expect them to bounce back from that loss,” Letran coach Jeff Napa said of the Blazers, who absorbed a 55-98 shellacking from unbeaten solo leader Lyceum.
“We just have to be ready,” added Napa.
Letran and St. Benilde clash at 4 p.m. at the Letran Gym in Intramuros, Manila. Their junior counterparts collide in the first game at 2 p.m.
The Knights—who hold a 2-3 record—hope to build on their Tuesday triumph, 82-75, over last year’s runner-up Arellano where Rey Nambatac took charge in the final quarter.
“We hope this win could start something big for us,” said Napa.
Aside from Nambatac, transferees Jeo Ambohot and Jeremiah Taladua also shone in the Knights’ triumph.
The 6-foot-6 Ambohot, a former middle blocker in volleyball from Arellano, played his best game yet with 15 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks, while Taladua, a former Pirate, tallied 13 markers and 11 boards.
The Blazers’ 43-point loss against the Pirates was the highest losing margin by any team this season. —CARLO ANOLIN