LETRAN sure looks like it’s making up for lost time with the way it has been playing in the PlayTime Cares 18th FiloilEcoOil Preseason Cup presented by ABC Tile Adhesive.
Winners of three straight and sitting at the pinnacle of the standings at 5-1, the Knights have seized the leadership in the NCAA Bracket following a big 68-58 win over St. Benildeover the weekend behind the duo of TitingManalili and Jimboy Estrada.
And for coach Allen Ricardo, the victory was indicative on how far Letran is already when it comes to its preparation saying, “Maganda din nana-gauge natin kung hanggangsaantayopagdatingsamalalakasnamakakalabansa NCAA.”
Now, the Knights want to keep that streak going as they battle a resolute Jose Rizal University (1-2) today at The Arena in San Juan.
How tough of a draw the NaniEpondulan-coached Heavy Bombers have been especially with the brilliance of rookie SanleaPeñaverde.
They raise the curtains at 12 p.m. in another all-NCAA tripleheader in this tilt which has PlayTime Cares, Filoil, EcoOil, Hanes, Bostik El Heneral, Jiang Nan Hotpot, Lamtex Pipes, Smart, and PusoPilipinas as major sponsors, and Harbor Star, Wallem, Akari, BDO, Tela.com Athletics, Nature’s Spring, Reyes Barbecue, and Brothers Burger as minor sponsors.
Emilio Aguinaldo College (4-1) also wants a share of the leadership when it takes on Perpetual (1-3) at 4 p.m.
The Generals welcome coach JersonCabiltes back after the mentor missed their 75-71 escape of JRU two days prior, and expect another big game from the likes of Wilmar Oftana, Kyle Ochavo, and Nico Quinal.
Patrick Sleat, on the other hand, wants to rebound for the Altas after he muffed the potential game-winner in their 68-66 defeat to Arellano last Saturday.
Mapua (2-2) and San Sebastian (0-5) complete the troika at 2 p.m. with the defending NCAA champion Cardinals hoping to avoid the upset axe against the rebuilding Golden Stags.
