Basketball
San Beda, Letran renew rivalry; EAC takes on Mapua
InterAKTV/Justin Gener
Two weeks ago, the San Beda Red Lions completely dominated the Letran Knights in their first round meeting, 65-43. The Knights played sans key players Jonathan Belorio and center Raymond Almazan. This time around, Letran will be in full force when it faces the defending champion
The pace-setting Red Lions will try to keep the top spot to themselves when they clash with the Knights in the main game of the Saturday doubleheader of NCAA Season 88 at the FilOil Flying V Arena. San Beda and Letran duke it out at 6 p.m. after the clash between Emilio Aguinaldo College and Mapua at 4 p.m.
San Beda guard Anjo Caram said the Red Lions, who are looking to win against the Knights for the 13th straight NCAA game, would need to be wary of the Knights.
“Siguro kasi complete na sila, they’ll be more confident as a team. But we just have to be ready lang and do what we usually do. Trust each other lang. And believe na we will win,” said Caram
Letran coach Louie Alas acknowledged that the Knights are in for another tough fight.
“This is the first time we are complete but I know it will be very, very tough to match up against their personnel. For us to win,we have to play an almost perfect defense to contain their team offense,” said Alas.
The Knights are coming off a big win against Perpetual Help, and Alas hopes that they could conjure up the same stifling defense they used to beat the Altas.
“I wish ma-apply namin yun. We all know San Beda is more talented than UPHSD but it can be done,” he said.
The Knights are a half game behind fourth place Perpetual. Letran will be gunning for its seventh win.
In the opener, the streaking Generals will try to win its fourth straight game, a feat they’ve never achieved since joining the league in 2009. EAC will try to break free from a deadlock when they face the Mapua Cardinals. The teams are tied with respective 4-7 win-loss records.
Members of Mapua, which is coming off a 63-60 defeat at the hands of Jose Rizal University, had a heart-to-heart meeting with coaches to discuss their struggles.
“Wala naman extra na ginawa. Binago lang ni coach ung practice kanina, this time light practice kami before the game para bukas fresh kami. Tapos yung mind set na may chance pa din kami pero nasa kamay namin yun,” said Kenneth Ighalo.
Mike Parala, who has been delivering double-double performances for the Cardinals the past games despite their losses added: “Nag-regroup kami nung Wednesday. Sana daw gawin ng lahat ang best para na din sa mga seniors.”
