TRIED early in its bid to annex a third straight crown, reigning three-time champion Letran’s fortitude will be tested anew today.
How the Knights will respond without two of their key players will be known when they take on San Beda University for a piece of the lead in the 98th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
The rivalry match is set at 3 p.m. after Mapua University tries to snap out of its funk against Jose Rizal University in the curtain-raiser at noon.
“A win’s a win pero iyon nga looking forward sa next game natin,” Letran coach Bonnie Tan said after his team scored a 67-62 decision over the Cardinals three days ago. “Hindi ko alam kung ano’ng mangyayari against San Beda.”
The Knights’ hard-earned triumph over their finals foes last season hiked their record to 3-1 but proved costly after guard Brent Paraiso was thrown out for hitting the head of Mapua’s Adrian Nocum, while big man Louie Sangalang was also sent to the showers with a pair of technical fouls late in the match.
Paraiso and Sangalang will sit out today’s tiff due to one-game suspensions meted on them by the league.
“I hope I’ve enlightened everyone and the parties concerned, please be proficient on the rules first before uttering baseless accusations on the Game Officials and the Commissioner’s Office,” basketball Commissioner Tonichi Pujante said in a statement last Wednesday.
“I strongly denounce violence in any form in and outside the playing venue. Rest assured I’ve addressed this with utmost objectivity and compassion.”
The likes of Fran Yu, Kurt Reyson, King Caralipio, Pao Javillonar, and Kobe Monje are expected to lead Letran’s attack.
The Red Lions areA coming off a 78-71 victory over San Sebastian College last Sept. 21.
