After absorbing heartbreaking defeats in previous games, Letran and San Sebastian College-Recoletos try to bounce back big time when they go up against their respective rivals Thursday
in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
Letran collides with season host Arellano University at 2 p.m., while San Sebastian clashes against Jose Rizal University at 4 p.m. with both teams needing to hurdle their rivals to boost their semis bids.
Despite their defeats, the Knights remain at third spot with a 9-6 mark followed by San Sebastian (7-6), Mapua (7-7) and College of St. Benilde (6-7).
Leading the race is defending three-time champion San Beda with a perfect 15-0 card followed by Lyceum of the Philippines University – a finalist the last two years – at No. 2 with an 11-3 record.
The Knights’ bid for a twice-to beat bonus in the next round suffered a blow when they dropped their last two games, including a 75-63 setback to San Beda last Tuesday, while the Stags are on a three-game skid, their latest defeat was a shocking 79-75 decision to tail-ender Emilio Aguinaldo College last Friday.
Now, both teams look to improve their chances to advance in the next stage of the tournament.
San Sebastian mentor Egay Macaraya understands the situation and implications of their game against JRU, a team that sports a 4-9 card.
“Very important sa amin itong game na to,” said Macaraya, whose team won against JRU 82-51 last July 9.
“Galing kami sa magkaka-sunod na talo, and we hope to get back on track. May mga adjustment kami but it’s about execution and playing defense. Hindi madaling kalaban ang JRU, but we’re up to the challenge,” added Macaraya.
Letran, on the other hand, also won its first match against Arellano 81-72 last July 12, but the Chiefs are fresh from a 75-69 victory over the College of St. Benilde Blazers last Friday.
Arellano’s win improved its record to 4-10, thus keeping its Final Four big alive.
