Letran seeks to jump to solo second and close in on leader College of St. Benilde as it clashes with a dangerous Lyceum of the Philippines University in Friday’s start of the second and last round of the NCAA Season 100 elimination at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.
The Knights leaned on pure grit to overcome a slow, sputtering start to end up at a three-way logjam at No. 2 with the San Beda Lions and Mapua Cardinals on 6-3 records, or just a game behind the pace-setting Blazers.
And they would have a chance to climb up the ladder if they could hurdle the Pirates, who are currently in a group at No. 5 with the University of Perpetual Help Altas and the Emilio Aguinaldo Generals on 4-5 cards, when they face off at 12 noon.
Interestingly, the duel comes less than a week after Letran downed LPU, 78-66, in their first-round duel.
Expect the Knights to rely on Jimboy Estrada and a vastly improved Kevin Santos again after the two towed them to that emphatic triumph.
During that win, Estrada dropped 19 points to go with seven assists and five rebounds, while Santos, who has turned from a back-up big to probably its best player and most reliable defensive anchor, wrecked havoc inside with 17 points, 11 boards and three blocks.
“Medyo nagpi-peak na, hopefully we could sustain it in the second round,” said Letran coach Allen Ricardo.
Also fighting for dear Final Four life are UPHSD and EAC, which collide at 2:30 p.m.
Games Friday (Filoil EcoOil Arena)
12 noon- Letran vs LPU
2:30 p.m.- UPHSD vs EAC
