Knights face Blazers today

The race for the three remaining slots in this year’s Final Four shifts to high gear today when Letran squares off with defending champion St. Benilde in the 77th NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

With still five playing days left in the eliminations, Jose Rizal University has already clinched a slot in the next round with its 9-2 record while Mapua, San Sebastian, Letran and St. Benilde will most likely slug it out for the three other slots.

Mapua and San Sebastian are tied for second at 7-4 while Letran, which has won its last two games, is in fourth at 6-5 followed by St. Benilde at 5-6. Philippine Christian University (5-7) and Perpetual Help (4-8) are still hoping to advance.

"It’s so hard to gauge your chances by just looking at the standings because a lot of teams are cramped in the middle," said Letran coach Binky Favis. After St. Benilde, Letran will have PCU and Mapua for its closing games in the elims.