Chiefs, Knights in crucial duel

MANILA, Philippines - Arellano U and Letran square off today in a crucial match with both teams going all out for a victory that would keep them in the race for the last Final Four berth in the NCAA basketball men’s tournament at The Arena in San Juan.

The Chiefs and the Knights, with 4-5 and 3-7 (win-loss) records, respectively, try to stay within sight of the fourth-running Mapua Cardinals, who tote a 6-4 slate heading into the crucial grind of the double-round elims phase.

Gametime is at 4 p.m.

San Beda (10-0), San Sebastian (9-1) and Jose Rizal U (8-2) are a cinch to clinch the first three semis berths with Mapua getting the inside track for the last seat.

But Arellano and Letran remain hopeful of their chances with the Chiefs enjoying the momentum following their 76-72 win over Mapua last Aug. 20.

“We hope to use that as an inspiration against Letran,” said Arellano U coach Leo Isaac.

In contrast, the Knights are reeling from a 60-63 setback to the Cardinals last Wednesday in a game the former led but squandered with an endgame meltdown.

The Chiefs, however, will be playing without Vergel Zulueta and Erwin Catapang. Zulueta is serving the first of his two-game suspension while Catapang, who averaged 10 points and three rebounds, has a one-game suspension for misconduct.

St. Benilde and Emilio Aguinaldo, tied seventh spot, mix it up at 2 p.m.

The Blazers failed to cash in on the absence of MVP contenders Calvin Abueva and Ronald Pascual as they dropped a 51-62 decision to the Stags.

The Generals, meanwhile, lost to the rampaging San Beda Lions, 68-92, last Friday.