Hot Stags target sweep vs Knights

MANILA, Philippines - San Sebastian goes for a sweep of the first round elims as it collides with Letran today while Arellano U battles Mapua in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

The Stags survived the Cardinals and escaped with a 77-74 win last Monday to move within a win from sweeping the first phase of the double-round elims.

But they are expected to encounter stiff resistance from the Knights in their 4 p.m. encounter. Letran is in fourth with a 5-3 card, but is being challenged by at least three teams – St. Benilde (4-5), Arellano (4-4) and Perpetual Help (3-6) in the battle for the last slot in the Final Four.

San Beda is in second with an 8-1 slate while Jose Rizal U stood a game behind at 7-2.

Like the Stags, the Knights also struggled to win in their last outing, nipping the Emilio Aguinaldo Generals in overtime, 85-84, last week.

“We all know Letran is a dangerous team. We’ll be in trouble if we play like the way we did when we beat Mapua,” said SSC coach Ato Agustin.

Letran hopes to neutralize San Sebastian firepower with its vaunted full court pressure defense.

The Knights also boast of ace gunners in RJ Jazul and Rey Guevarra.

Arellano U, meanwhile, shoots for its third straight win and boost its semis bid as it takes on Mapua in the other match at 2 p.m.