Letran, PCU set ‘rematch’

Letran and Philippine Christian U clash today in a rematch of last year’s finals with no less than the solo lead at stake in the 82nd NCAA basketball tournament at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Knights and the Dolphins are on a streak with the former picking up three straight wins in as many games and the latter winning four after dropping their opening day game.

Mapua, meanwhile, tries to keep its grip of fourth spot as it takes on St. Benilde at 2 p.m.

The Cardinals tote a 2-2 (win-loss) record while the Blazers dropped three of their first four matches for seventh place in the eight-team field.

Boyet Bautista and Aaron Aban, members of the Muralla-based school’s title romps in 2003 and 2005, are expected to lead Letran’s bid in their 4 p.m. encounter.

On the other hand, the Dolphins, the 2004 champions, are dishing one big game after another, all in come-from-behind fashions.

"They won four straight close games because of their depth and experience," said Letran coach Louie Alas, who steered the school to NCAA titles in 1998, 2003 and 2005. "For us to beat them, we really have to wear them out," he added.

Wearing out the Dolphins would mean containing their top two players — Gabby Espinas and Jason Castro — and pressuring their second stringers who have been playing solid games the last four outings.

They include Robby David, Lei Navarro and Ian Garrido.

"Hard practice on our part, we know we can win the game but it’s not going to be easy," said PCU mentor Joel Dualan.