NCAA: Letran Knights out to solidify hold on 2nd

MANILA, Philippines—Letran aims to put a firm hold on second spot while third-running San Beda tries to get out of an unfamiliar situation in a pair of NCAA men’s basketball matches Wednesday at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

On a roll with an 11-2 record, the Knights hope to strengthen their bid for the twice-to-beat semifinal bonus versus a skidding Emilio Aguinaldo College at 2 p.m.

“We want to stay consistent,” said Letran coach Louie Alas.

That, however, has been a problem for the Lions, who are looking to regroup against a Mapua squad that is also seeking a crucial victory at 4 p.m.

Both the Knights and the Lions already earned semifinal berths along with unbeaten leader San Sebastian, but the twice-to-beat advantage remains up for grabs among the three teams.

The semifinal incentive is given to the top two teams at the end of the elimination round.

The Lions slipped to third at 10-2 after absorbing their worst loss in two years—a 65-76 beating at the hands of fifth-running Jose Rizal University last Wednesday.

But the Cardinals are also hoping to bounce back from a pair of heartbreakers that pushed them down to 6-8. Another loss will pull Mapua down to a three-way tie for fourth spot with JRU and Lyceum.

Rookie Josan Nimes exploded with a career-high 31 points but the Cardinals still fell short against the Stags, 69-72, last Friday.

The Cardinals also came close to shocking another powerhouse in Letran, before bowing in overtime, 67-69, a week earlier.

Letran remains heavily favored with Alas’ son and team star Kevin coming off another big game of 29 points against Lyceum, 88-74.

Raymond Almazan and Jam Cortes have also played vital roles in the Knights’ eight-game winning run, the team’s longest streak in the last six years.

The Lions, meanwhile, will try to regain their fierce form behind Garvo Lanete, Jake Pascual, Rome dela Rosa and Kyle Pascual.