Heavy Bombers eye repeat over Knights today

MANILA-Philippines—JOSE RIZAL University looks to tighten its hold of third spot when it tackles an inconsistent Letran squad today in the 86th NCAA basketball tournament at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.   Gametime is at 4 p.m. with the Bombers favored to repeat their first-round conquest of the Knights who have yet to post consecutive victories so far.   JRU finished the first round on a positive note Wednesday, whipping Mapua, 61-54, but coach Vergel Meneses expects more from his players in their next eight games.   “The second round will be tougher, so we really have to be up to the challenge,” said Meneses, who is hoping to steer the Bombers to their first title since 1972.   “Our goal is to be one of the first teams to reach the Final Four and be at the best position possible.”   Mapua seeks to get back on the winning track against a resurgent Arellano in the first game at 2 p.m.   The Cardinals, with a 5-3 card, could gain a piece of third again if they beat the Chiefs and the Bombers bow to the Knights.   While Mapua is coming off a stinging defeat, Arellano U is hoping to ride the momentum of its 78-76 win over Letran last Aug. 13 that allowed the Chiefs to finish with a 3-5 mark after the first round.   “Hopefully, this could start something big for us because I still feel we have a chance in the race to the Final Four,” said Arellano coach Leo Isaac.   The Knights are coming off a 87-65 drubbing of Emilio Aguinaldo College on Monday.   Letran’s multititled coach Louie Alas, however, conceded that the Knights (3-5) fell short of their target in the first round.   “We were very inconsistent,” said Alas. “We weren’t beating teams we were supposed to beat. We just hope we learned our lessons.”   The Knights, who have yet to suffer a losing season under Alas, are targeting a seventh straight Final Four appearance.