By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
College of St. Benilde and Letran try to boost their semis bids when they clash with separate rivals today in NCAA men’s basketball at The Arena in San Juan City.
The Blazers tangle with the University of Perpetual Help Altas at 2 p.m. while the Knights collide with the Arellano Chiefs at 4 p.m.
Sporting identical 6-3 win-loss records, victories for both St. Benilde and Letran will inch them closer to league leader Lyceum (10-0) and second-running San Beda (9-1).
The Blazers and the Knights are also out to repeat their first-round victories against their rivals, with St. Benilde prevailing over Perpetual, 84-77, last Aug. 24 and Letran whipping Arellano, 88-70, last Aug. 7.
The Blazers, however, remain wary of the Altas despite their advantage since the latter is eager to snap a two-game skid, including a defeat to the Blazers two weeks back.
St. Benilde coach TY Tang is again banking on Yankie Haruna, Clement Leutcheu and Justin Gutang in their bid for a repeat win over the Altas.
The three are averaging in double figures with Gutang coming off a victory in the Slam Dunk contest in the recent All-Star.
Out to lead the Altas – this year’s host – are Prince Eze and Kim Aurin.
The Altas also hope that Edgar Charcos will be fit enough this time after missing two games with a hyperextended right knee injury.