REIGNING two-time champion Letran got its mojo back after a jarring loss the last time out.
The Knights are now hoping Mapua University, which has lost three in a row, won’t get back on track at their expense.
“Against Mapua, we’re expecting a tough game again. Almost lahat nga talagang crucial games dito lalo na sa start. Sabi ko nga sa mga players magiging trending itong mga panalo at talo natin each time, so sana papunta (kami) sa pataas sa win column, hindi sa losing column na standing natin,” Letran coach Bonnie Tan said.
“So Mapua, iyon nga matibay, and alam natin experienced team, so sana maka-execute kami kaagad ng good game plan against Mapua,” he added.
The Knights tangle with the Cardinals today in the 98th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
The only match in the country’s oldest league today pitting last season’s finals combatants is set at 3 p.m.
San Sebastian College was supposed to battle Emilio Aguinaldo College at noon but the game was moved to a later date due to health and safety protocols.
Letran avenged a sorry 69-72 loss to Arellano University nine days ago with an 80-75 victory over College of St. Benilde last Friday that raised its mark to 2-1 for solo third.
The Knights’ defeat to the Chiefs also ended their 14-game winning streak dating back to Game 3 of the finals in 2019.
The likes of Fran Yu, Louie Sangalang, Kurt Reyson, Brent Paraiso, and King Caralipio are expected to carry the fight for the Knights.
Mapua dropped a numbing 77-79 setback to Perpetual Help four days ago and tumbled to 1-3 for ninth.
The Randy Alcantara-mentored Cards will bank on Rence Nocum, Arvin Gamboa, Warren Bonifacio, and Paolo Hernandez.
