With the season slowly drifting away, Letran College needs to grab as many wins as possible starting with powerhouse San Sebastian College today in the 88th NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
After convincing wins over over tail-enders Lyceum of the Philippines University and College of Saint Benilde, the Knights are knocking on the door of the Final Four with an 8-6 win-loss slate, and a win in their 6 p.m. encounter with the Golden Stags will give them the fourth spot, half-a-game ahead of Jose Rizal University.
Defending champion San Beda College, meanwhile, collides with Emilio Aguinaldo College at 4 pm, looking to formalize its entry into the Final Four.
A perennial contender, Letran boosted its chance of making it to the next round when the undermanned Pirates stunned the erstwhile fourth-placer Heavy Bombers the other night, 69-62.
“Buhay pa kami, humihinga pa. We just have to play the way we played last game (against the Blazers). At least may chance kami na maka-compete,” Letran coach Louie Alas said.
And pulling off a miracle win over the Stags isn’t impossible for the Knights.
On opening day, Letran stunned San Sebastian, 60-54, with Stags’ chief gunner Ronald Pascual coming off an ACL injury.
“Kaya namin yan. We just have to keep it close hanggang dulo,” Alas added.
Kevin Alas, who is averaging close to 20 points this season, will again be the main man for the Knights as he shoots for another impressive performance following his 35-point outburst against the Blazers last Monday, 97-83.
It was the most points scored by any Letran player since RJ Jazul sizzled for 37 points in a win over the Blazers in 2008.
But with an 11-3 slate, the Stags also need a win to remain in the chase for a twice-to-beat advantage. Third-placer Perpetual Help Dalta System is still two games behind at 9-5, and the Stags could not afford to be complacent.
“Every game is an opportunity to improve,” said Stags’ interim coach Allan Trinidad, hoping to remain unbeaten since taking the helm from Topex Robinson last month. “Mahalaga sa amin ang bawat laro kaya dapat hindi magkaroon ng kumpyansa ang mga bata.”