Letran out to regain No. 2 post vs JRU

MANILA, Philippines - Letran hopes to rebound from its crushing defeat to unfancied Emilio Aguinaldo College last week as it faces Jose Rizal University, seeking a crucial win and a return to the No. 2 spot in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan today.

“I keep reminding the team that every game is important because we’re not only chasing a Final Four slot but also a twice-to-beat advantage,” said Letran coach Caloy Garcia.

A former leader, Letran slipped to third place at 10-3 behind frontrunning San Beda (12-2) and No. 2 Perpetual Help (11-4) after dropping a harrowing 64-87 loss to EAC.

But with the Altas dropping a sorry 76-78 setback in overtime to the Lions last Thursday, the Knights get a crack at the No. 2 spot against the Heavy Bombers in their 4 p.m. encounter.

A win will not only push Letran back to No. 2 but will also put the Knights on track for the top seeding heading to the crucial stages of the double-round elims.

But against the Bombers, the Knights will be facing a team out to nail a win to boost its own bid for a playoff for the last semis berth. At 5-7, JRU is way down in sixth and needs to win as many games as possible in its last six matches.

Letran barely nipped JRU, 69-66, in the first round last July 6 with the Bombers no way to go but up coming off a four-game skid, including a 61-64 loss to the Altas last Sept. 16.

“We have to learn to close out games, that’s what we need to get back on track,” said JRU coach Vergel Meneses.

Meanwhile, Arellano U and Mapua collide at 6 p.m. The Chiefs, with a 4-9 mark, need to sweep their last six outings and hope a fourth team will not go over 10 wins to stay in the Final Four hunt.