NCAA: Gutsy Knights tackle Blazers

MANILA—Letran tries to put its first loss aside when it takes on dangerous St. Benilde in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament Wednesday.

The Knights take on the Blazers—the team that came closest to beating defending champion San Beda in two seasons—in the first of a seniors double-header at 2 p.m. at the FilOil-Flying V Arena in San Juan.

As the Knights go for their fourth victory, Emilio Aguinaldo College shoots for a third win minus main man Claude Cubo in a 4 p.m. match against winless Mapua.

Cubo will serve a one-game suspension for punching Lyceum’s Onofre Napiza, the incident which spoiled his stellar outing of 16 points and 10 rebounds in the Generals’ recent 73-67 victory.

“He delivers a double-double, so we really have to adjust against Mapua,” said EAC coach Gerry Esplana. “We’ll just come out and play aggressive. We also have to take care of the ball and control the tempo.”

Letran mentor Louie Alas also thinks the Knights should double their efforts a week after their 71-62 setback against solo leader San Sebastian.

Alas’ son Kevin leads the Knights’ charge and draws support from Jam Cortes, Jonathan Belorio, Raymond Almazan and rookie Kevin Racal.

“The barometer of our team is defense,” noted Alas. “When we make stops, we run a better transition offense.”

St. Benilde coach Richard del Rosaio expects his wards to push themselves harder even after gaining respect for the Blazers’ near upset of the Red Lions, 79-78, last Friday.

“I hope the players will use this as their motivation and not be content with almost winning,” said Del Rosario as his Blazers try to improve on their 1-3 card.

Esplana said his Generals are bracing for a tough duel against the Cardinals, the lone winless team in four games even with prized Filipino-Palestinian recruit Yousef Taha.