Stags, Knights in crucial duel today

MANILA, Philippines–FINAL FOUR-BOUND San Sebastian tries to enhance its chances for a semifinal bonus when it tackles Letran today in the 86th NCAA basketball tournament at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.   The Stags, second to the San Beda Red Lions in the standings, are eyeing their 12th victory in 13 outings in the 4 p.m. duel with the Knights, who are seeking a third straight victory to remain in the Final Four picture.   Despite their lofty position, San Sebastian struggled mightily before disposing of Perpetual Help, 72-63, last Monday.   The Knights, perched in sixth spot with a 5-7 record, are expected to provide an even tougher test for the Stags, after showing stellar form in victories over Arellano and Perpetual Help that kept their Final Four hopes alive.   Mapua tangles with already-eliminated Perpetual Help in the first game at 2 p.m.   A victory by Mapua and a loss by Letran  will assure the Cardinals of at least a playoff for the last Final Four berth.   San Beda, San Sebastian and Jose Rizal U already clinched semifinal berths. The top two squads at the end of the elimination round will earn twice-to-beat incentives in the semifinals.   The Stags played with little energy in the first half against the Altas and Agustin said his team will not have that luxury against Letran.   “We can’t play like that, especially against Letran,” said San Sebastian coach Ato Agustin. “We need to be aggressive.”