LETRAN and San Sebastian College try to recover lost ground and boost their Final Four bids when they clash with dangerous foes today in the 95th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
The Knights battle the Arellano University Chiefs in the curtain-raiser at 2 o’clock before the Golden Stags take on the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers at 4 p.m.
In their first meeting last July 12, Letran downed Arellano 81-72. But the Intramuros-based Knights have lost two straight, counting their disappointing 63-75 defeat to archrival and defending three-time champion San Beda University last Oct. 1.
With a 9-6 card, good for solo third, Letran will pin its hopes on wide-bodied big man Larry Muyang, shooter Jerrick Balanza, Bonbon Batiller, Fran Yu, Jeo Ambohot, and Renato Ular.
The Chiefs are coming off a shocking 75-69 decision over College of St. Benilde last Sept. 27.
Arellano will rely on shifty playmaker Kent Salado, Justin Arana, Dariel Bayla, Rence Alcoriza, and Archie Concepcion as it tries to improve its 4-10 record.
San Sebastian blasted JRU 82-51 in their initial duel last July 9.
The Stags are out to snap a three-game losing skid and hike their 7-6 slate that will fortify their hold of fourth.
