Letran Knights’ Deo Cuajao.–NCAA PHOTO
Vince Cuajao has been striking fear in the hearts of every Letran opponent in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament.
So if the Jose Rizal University (JRU) Heavy Bombers intend to alter their misfortunes, devising a plan to keep the Knights’ deadly marksman from getting more touches should be a top priority.
Cuajao’s confidence soared astronomically after drilling seven three-pointers and winding up with a season-high 34 points during the Knights’ double overtime win over the San Sebastian Stags early this week.
“If we want to win, I know I have to deliver. I have to be focused and confident in taking every shot,’’ said Cuajao, whose Knights tangle with the Bombers at the resumption of the tournament on Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Although Cuajao can be very lethal from afar, shutting him down isn’t hopeless.
The Mapua Cardinals magnificently pulled it off last week en route to another victory, something the Bombers should learn from.
“Every game is important, especially here in the second round. A win can really boost your standings while a defeat will definitely pull you down,’’ said Letran coach Allen Ricardo, who will likewise rely heavily on Jimboy Estrada, Kevin Santos and Paolo Javillonar.
The rookie Letran head coach is in the midst of restoring Letran’s once-dominant form after a forgettable Season 99.
With that recent escape act over the Stags, the Knights, who also got Estrada going with a career-high 30 points, temporarily moved themselves out of a tight triple squad race for a Final Four appearance on the strength of their 7-6 record.
The College of St. Benilde Blazers (10-2) and the Cardinals (10-3) are far from reach at the moment as the Knights breathed down the San Beda Red Lions’ necks (8-5).
The Knights are now half-a-game ahead of the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals and the Lyceum Pirates, who will try to ease the pain of a previous setback against the University of Perpetual Help Dalta Altas (5-8) in the other game.
Chasing the Knights
Sliding down at 6-6 following a helpless cause opposite big man JL Capulong and the Arellano Chiefs, the Pirates should keep themselves at pace with the Knights for a playoff opportunity in the semifinals.
Not only did Estrada light it up previously for the Knights, the 6-foot-1 guard also dished out five assists, the last one feeding Cuajao the eventual game-clinching three.
“I just wanted to bounce back after my suspension and help our team win,’’ said Estrada after he got slapped with one-game ban in a defeat to the Altas.
The Knights handed the Stags their 10th defeat in 13 games and they’ll take on another free-falling squad in JRU.
“You can never underestimate your opponent. We just have to stick to our game plan and follow the advice of our coach not to give up until the game ends,’’ said Estrada.