Knights gun for 3rd win vs Bombers

Defending champion Letran College shoots for its third straight victory as it plays Jose Rizal U today even as Philippine Christian U guns for its third win in four games against Perpetual Help in the 82nd NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Coming off a convincing 81-73 win the other day following a nine-day layoff, the Knights, boasting of a league-best 16 championships, are heavily favored against the rookie-laden Heavy Bombers in their 2 p.m. encounter.

The Dolphins, last year’s runner-up, also eye their third win in row after dropping their opening day game to the Knights as they battle the Altas at 4 p.m.

The Knights’ latest win saw the return of versatile swingman Aaron Aban to action after missing the team’s first game due to a sprained left wrist.

Letran coach Louie Alas was satisfied with the performance of Aban, as well as his team — offensively. But in defense, he admitted that they must improve in order to be competent against other teams, including the Bombers.

Coming off an 11-day break, the Bombers are expected to have familiarized themselves with the system of newly-installed head coach Ariel Vanguardia, who took over the job vacated by veteran mentor Chris Calilan.

Vanguardia acted as assistant to Alas when they steered the Manila Metrostars to the 1999 title of the now-defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA). He was also an assistant to former Talk n Text coach Joel Banal.

In the previous PBL Unity Cup, Vanguardia was a member of Alas’ coaching staff with Toyota Otis.

"Hungry ang team na ‘yan after they lost to San Beda. We expect them to come out strong," said Alas. "Besides, coach Ariel knows my system kaya ‘di na n’ya kailangan mag-scout. Me, I have no idea kung ano ang gagawin n’ya."

The Dolphins try to follow-up their 74-72 win over the Stags last Friday, where 2004 MVP and Top Rookie Gabby Espinas dropped 24 points, which earned him NCAA Press Corps Player of the week honors.

Perpetual, on the other hand, hopes to avenge its 79-76 loss to St. Benilde also last Friday. While the Dolphins will rely on their deadly duo of Espinas and Jason Castro, the Altas will have big man Vladymirr Joe and guard Khiel Misa.