MIT, Letran gun for share of lead

Opening-day winners Mapua and Letran gun for a share of the lead with St. Benilde when the Cardinals and the Knights take on separate foes today in the 78th NCAA basketball tournament at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Coming off contrasting wins last Saturday, the Cardinals collide with the Jose Rizal Heavy Bombers at 4 p.m. while the Knights face the Philippine Christian University Dolphins at 2 p.m.

The Cardinals, who made it to the Final Four last year, rallied from 19 points down last Saturday to turn back the Dolphins, 74-68, with veteran Erwin Sta. Maria leading the team.

Letran, back-to-back titlist in 1998 and 1999, likewise made its presence felt on opening day, unveiling a sleek running game to smash host San Beda, 69-64.

The Dolphins, now being coached by ex-Olympian Jimmy Mariano, are once again expected to rely on Loreto Soriano and Joseph Roque, who combined for 43 points in their initial outing. Soriano had six triples against the Cardinals.

The Knights, on their part, will have playmaker Ronjay Enrile and sweet-shooting rookie Jho Aldave to count on. Enrile, the juniors MVP in 2000, scored 22 points against the Red Lions.

Despite the loss of key players Nani Epondulan and Ariel Capus who have both turned pro, Mapua coach Horacio Lim is confident of another fruitful season for his wards.