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.
Letran 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.
The 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.