Knights, Chiefs seek third wins

MANILA, Philippines—Letran and Arellano try to extend their winning runs when they collide against separate rivals in the first NCAA basketball road game at the Gov. San Luis Sports Complex in Santa Cruz, Laguna Wednesday.

The Knights clash with the skidding Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals at 1 p.m., before the Chiefs and Blazers square off at 3 p.m..

Arellano is gunning for a third straight win, after opening the season with three consecutive losses.

Letran, on the other hand, hopes to nail its first back-to-back wins for the season against an EAC team hoping to avoid a fifth straight loss of the season.

“It’s crucial for us to get a win because we are near the bottom of the standings,” said Letran guard Kevin Alas. “We can’t afford to be overeager.”

Alas is coming off one of his finest performances of the season, tallying 19 points and nine rebounds in their 66-60 triumph over Mapua last week.

The Generals absorbed a 65-81 defeat to the Lions last Thursday. But they remain a threat with the likes of Russel Yaya and Noube Happi leading the way.

The Chiefs hope to continue getting a strong effort from Filipino-Canadian guard James Forrester who has averaged 18 points and seven rebounds in their last two victories.

Arellano is 11 days removed from the biggest win of its NCAA existence—an 83-52 rout of Lyceum while the Blazers are hoping to avoid a third straight loss.

Meanwhile, San Sebastian gunner Ronald Pascual, who shot a season-high 32 points in the Stags’ 87-79 victory over Lyceum, has been named NCAA Press Corps Player of the Week honor presented by Accel 3XVI.

Pascual’s eight triples in the game is also a league-best this season.

“I’d rather see him shoot and miss than not shoot at all,” said Robinson. “I told him I can’t utilize him if he doesn’t shoot. He’s been putting in the work (on his shots).”

“I’m getting more confident with my shooting,” said Pascual.