Knights out to lay cards on AU Chiefs; Mapua, CSB collide for second round face-off

RIDING on a three-game winning skein, Letran eyes a fourth consecutive victory and win no. 8 when it takes on Arellano University to start its second-round campaign in the 877th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament at the Filoil-Flying V Arena.

A win by the Knights, who are enjoying their finest season in the last three years, will strengthen their grip of solo third place and push them closer to a berth in the Final Four, which they missed last season.

The Knights and the Chiefs (3-6) slug it out at 2 p.m., right after the juniors game pitting the Letran Squires against the AU Baby Chiefs at 10 a.m., and the Red Robins against the Junior Blazers at 11:45 a.m.

In the other seniors game, Mapua (3-6) and College of St. Benilde (4-5) also make their debut, with the Blazes eyeing a fifth win that will push it to solo fourth.

The Knights bagged their third straight win at the expense of Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, 70-59 on the last day of the first round on Aug. 19.

“ I’m very very happy kung above 5-4 na kami. More than expected na nga ito, Sana ma-sustain namin to sa second round,” said Letran coach Louie Alas.

In two previous seasons, the Knights ended the first round with a 3-5 (86th season) and 4-4 slates (85th season).

Kevin Alas currently leads the Knights in scoring with 15.6 aside from grabbing 5.6 rebounds a game, while Jam Cortes has emerged as the league's top rebounder with 12 boards a game, while chipping in 12.3 points per outing.

The Chiefs are expected to rely on Vergel Zulueta (15 pts) Andrian Celada(14.6 points) and Rocky Acidre (13 points).