Knights resume bid for Final 4 vs Pirates

MANILA, Philippines - Foiled the last time out, Letran tries to recover lost grounds as it resumes its hunt for a semifinal berth against also-ran Lyceum today in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the Arena in San Juan.

The Knights dropped a 62-68 setback to the league-leading San Beda Red Lions last Saturday, snapping their back-to-back wins that put them back in the semis race.

But with a 6-6 card, the Muralla-based squad needs a lot of catching up to do at fifth place as they trail joint third-running Perpetual Help and Jose Rizal University, which both have 8-4.

“Every game will be critical from now on, it’s all a must win,” said Letran coach Louie Alas, who hopes to steer his wards past the Pirates (2-10) in the 4 p.m. game.

Mapua, in sixth with a 5-7 slate, also seeks to keep its flickering semis hopes alive as it clashes with Arellano U at 6 p.m.

“We’re still hopeful of our chances,” said Mapua coach Chito Victolero.

At 4-8, the Chiefs are still in the hunt but they need to sweep their remaining games and hope the four other teams in front of them lose theirs.

“We just have to continue to think positive,” said Arellano U mentor Koy Banal.