NCAA: Jimboy Estrada out for crucial tiff as Letran appeal denied
Letran’s Jimboy Estrada during a game against Perpetual Help in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament.–NCAA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—A struggling Letran side will have to try and snap out of its second-round slump without its star rookie Jimboy Estrada on Friday.
The Knights, losers of two in a row, won’t have the services of Estrada against second-running Mapua due to a one-game suspension after the guard was ejected in their game against Perpetual Help last Sunday.
Article continues after this advertisementLetran appealed to rescind Estrada’s suspension, but the NCAA turned it down on Tuesday.
READ: NCAA: Benilde beats Baste, Letran rookie out of awards race
The suspension also cost Estrada a chance to win any individual award this season, as per league rules.
Prior to the suspension, Estrada, the former St. Clare College standout, was a frontrunner for Rookie of the Year and a candidate for MVP.
Article continues after this advertisementThe 22-year-old is averaging 15.4 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game this season.
READ: NCAA: Rivals San Beda, Letran post contrasting wins
Estrada was called for a disqualifying foul at the 2:40 mark of the fourth quarter of Letran’s 71-61 loss to Perpetual Help after making contact with a referee. Before the ejection, Estrada had 14 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds, two blocks and one steal.
The Knights are currently tied with the Lyceum Pirates in fourth place with a 6-5 record. They were blown out by the Cardinals, 77-62, in their first-round meeting last month.
