LETRAN guns for solo second when it takes on Lyceum today as the second round of the 100th NCAA basketball tournament comes off the wraps at The Arena in San Juan.
The match is set at noon before Perpetual Help tackles Emilio Aguinaldo College at 2:30 p.m.
The Knights subdued the Pirates 78-66 last Saturday that raised their card to 6-3 in a three-way logjam with the defending champions San Beda Red Lions and Mapua Cardinals just behind pacesetter College of St. Benilde (7-2).
Letran coach Allen Ricardo said duels in the second round will be crucial and insisted the team “needs to have a sense of urgency when playing.”
Big man Pao Javillonar, Kevin Santos and Jimboy Estrada will be relied upon by the Knights to deliver.
Aiming for revenge, the Pirates will bank on John Barba, Mclaude Guadana and Renz Villagas.
The Altas, Generals and Lyceum are also locked in a standoff with 4-5 records.
“Every game is important. Every game is vital so we need to prepare hard each game. So, ito nga iyong sasabihin ko, we need to be excited for the second round kasi dito na lalabas iyong months of preparation namin for this season,” EAC strategist Jerson Cabiltes said.
“If we could minimize our turnovers, control the rebounding, make our free throws especially, good shooting, we’re gonna be good in the second round.”
