2nd win target ng Mapua at Letran

Ang maagang pagkamada sa liderato ang kapwa target ng Letran College at Mapua Institute of Technology sa eliminasyon ng 81st NCAA men’s basketball tournament sa Cuneta Astrodome sa Pasay City.

Makikipagtagpo ang Knights sa San Beda Red Lions ngayong alas-4 ng hapon matapos ang pakikipagtuos ng Mapua Cardinals sa Jose Rizal Heavy Bombers sa alas-2.

Umiskor ang Letran ng isang 63-54 panalo sa 2004 runner-up University of Perpetual Help-Dalta System noong Sabado, samantalang tinalo naman ng Mapua ang five-time champions San Sebastian College, 81-70, para itayo ang magkatulad na 1-0 rekord.

Ayon kay coach Louie Alas, ang height advantage ng kanyang Knights ang kanilang sasamantalahin kontra sa Red Lions ni Nash Racela.

"We have to play aggressive because San Beda is a running team and they also have good shooters," ani Alas. "But what’s important for us is to play tough defense, I believe we’re taller than them so we have to take advantage of that."

Ang sinasabing benta-he ng Intramuros-based cagers ay inaasahang magmumula kina 6-foot-7 Mark Andaya at 6’5 forward Jonathan Piñera.

Sasasandigan na-mang muli ng Cardinals si dating Mount Royal High School standout Kelvin dela Pena ng Calgary, Canada laban sa Heavy Bombers.

"As I’ve said, we have to stay focus every game. It’s just the first game so it’s not an indicator that it’s going to be an easy ride for us. The only good thing about that win is that we’re able to make good use of our strengths," ani Mapua mentor Horacio Lim, nakahugot ng 17 puntos kay dela Peña kontra sa San Sebastian. (Ulat ni Russell Cadayona)