Letran, AU try to exit with pride; Altalettes seek win

MANILA, Philippines - Letran and Arellano U try to close out their failed bids in the 86th NCAA men’s basketball tournament on a winning note as they take on separate rivals today at The Arena in San Juan City.

Tied at No. 5 with 6-9 (win-loss) slates, the Chiefs battle the Perpetual Help Altas at 4 p.m. while the Knights square off with the Emilio Aguinaldo Generals at 2 p.m.

The Chiefs are coming off a big 64-62 win over defending champion San Sebastian last Friday and are raring to repeat over the Altas in the penultimate elims playdate.

Letran, on the other hand, dropped its last game to a record-seeking San Beda side, 56-74.

EAC and Perpetual Help tote 2-13 and 1-14 slates, respectively.

The Red Lions, meanwhile, go for a record sweep against the defending champion Stags on Wednesday for an outright spot in the championship.

In junior action, the Altalettes gun for their 10th win and a third place in the elimination round when they battle cellar dweller Arellano U Baby Chiefs at 12 noon at the same venue.

Coach Tonichi Pujante’s wards, currently at third (9-6) behind the SBC Red Cubs (14-1) an the SSC-R Staglets (11-4), will bank on playmaker Axel Inigo, center Joel Brito, Flash Sadiwa, 6-1 power forward Topher Negranza and Mark Bitoy in their bid to make their first ever Final Four appearance since 1985 when the Antonio Tamayo-owned university joined the league.

But the team will be playing minus key player Gelo Alolino, who is playing with the Nokia U-18 national team in the FIBA 18-U tournament in Yemen.

The Altalettes will also rely on a back-up crew that includes John Palisoc, Joville Garcia, Christian Pascual, Joseph Bitoon and Vince Alegre.