Letran, SBC out to firm up posts

MANILA, Philippines - Letran and San Beda try to keep their 1-2 posts as they tangle with a pair of struggling rivals in today’s start of the second round elims of the 91st NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

Despite their failed bid to sweep the first round, the Knights have established themselves as the top title contender from among the slew of hopefuls that includes defending five-peat champion San Beda Red Lions, Perpetual Help Altas, Arellano Chiefs and Jose Rizal U Bombers with a league-leading 8-1 slate.

That makes the Muralla-based squad a heavy favorite when it takes on San Sebastian in the 4 p.m. main game. The Stags, however, are raring to spring a surprise in a last-ditch bid to boost its 2-7 (win-loss) record and stay in the battle for the last semis slot.

Like Letran, San Beda is also fancied to get past Emilio Aguinaldo College in the 2 p.m. match although the Red Lions will be facing a team that foiled the Knights’ sweep bid in the first round elims.