JRU tries to stay at third vs Letran

MANILA, Philippines - Jose Rizal tries to keep its hold of third spot as it takes on an unpredictable Letran, hoping for a win that would put the Bombers within striking distance of the league pacesetters in the start of the second round of the 86th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City today.

The Bombers closed out the first round of eliminations with a 61-54 decision over the Mapua Cardinals Wednesday to take solo third.

A win by the Bombers in their 4 p.m. duel with the Knights would send them closer to last year’s runner-up San Beda Red Lions and defending champion San Sebastian Stags, the current leaders with 8-0 (win-loss) and 7-1 records, respectively.

“It would be an important win for us because we really want to close the gap between us and the top two teams,” said Jose Rizal coach Vergel Meneses.

But beating the Knights, who are in a tie with Arellano U at fifth place on 3-5 slates, is easier said than done since the Muralla-based cagers are also coming off from a morale-boosting win over the Emilio Aguinaldo Generals, 88-65, Monday.

Letran ended its outside shooting woes by draining its season-high 10 triples including six by Jaypee Belencion, who finished with 18 points.

With the win, Letran mentor Louie Alas hopes it could fuel a winning run in the round with another victory ove the Bombers.

“Our goal is to have our first streak this season, we hope to accomplish it in the second round,” said Alas.

The Cardinals, currently in the Magic Four at 5-3 card, take on the dangerous Arellano U Chiefs in the first game at 2 p.m.

While Mapua is coming off a stinging defeat, Arellano U is riding the momentum of a 78-76 squeaker over St. Benilde last Aug. 13 to finish with a 3-5 mark after the first round.

“Hopefully, this could start something big for us because I still feel we have a chance in the race to the Final Four,” said Arellano U coach Leo Isaac.