Letran Knights after beating the EAC Generals. NCAA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Defending champion Letran became the first team to book a Final Four appearance in the NCAA Season 98 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday.
Winners of nine in a row, the Knights chalked up their 12th victory after beating also-ran Emilio Aguinaldo College, 84-77, to secure their place in the next round.
While Letran clinched a Final Four berth, three other teams were booted out of playoff contention.
San Beda’s 71-63 win over Mapua (6-10) eliminated the Cardinals along with the Arellano Chiefs (6-9) and the Perpetual Help Altas (6-9).
The exit of Mapua, Arellano and Perpetual Help leaves five teams fighting for the last three playoff spots.
College of St. Benilde is currently in second place with a 10-4 slate while Lyceum (10-5) and San Beda (10-5) occupy the third and fourth spots, respectively.
San Sebastian (6-7) and Jose Rizal University (6-8) are still in contention, though, the odds are heavily stacked against them.