Knights aim to tighten grip on solo lead

MANILA, Philippines – Letran shoots to stay on top while Mapua seeks to keep its four-game streak going without its suspended coach Atoy Co as the two collide on Tuesday in the 91st NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

The Knights survived the St. Benilde Blazers with a 79-69 win on Thursday that kept them at the helm with an 11-2 (win-loss) record and another win in their 4 p.m. encounter with the Cardinals would fortify their grip of the lead.

Letran will be facing a Mapua squad inspired by a four-game streak, including a 70-66 victory over Lyceum Friday that kept it at No. 5 with an 8-5 (win-loss) slate, or just a game behind No. 4 Perpetual Help (9-4).

Interestingly, the three-game streak is Co's longest since he took over the coaching reins from Chito Victolero three years ago.

Co, however, will not be around when Mapua clashes with Letran after he was slapped a two-game suspension following his ejection for a technical foul during the fourth quarter of their last game.

It was Co's second ejection of the season after he was also suspended for being tossed out also against Lyceum in their first round meeting.

Letran mentor Aldin Ayo still thinks the Cardinals will be a tough team to handle even without their coach.

"They're already a strong team and getting stronger each game," said Ayo.

The Mapua game will also be the start of a difficult five-game windup for Letran as it will next tackle Jose Rizal (7-6) on Sept. 18, Arellano (10-4) on Sept. 25, Perpetual Help (9-4) on Oct. 2 and reigning five-peat champion San Beda (10-3) on Oct. 6.

Jose Rizal, meanwhile, hopes to breathe some life to its waning Final Four bid as it faces off with an already eliminated St. Benilde at 2 p.m.