Squires force rubber for Final 4 slot

MANILA, Philippines - Letran unleashed a third quarter blitz to overwhelm Jose Rizal, 87-73, yesterday and forge another knockout duel for the last Final Four berth in the junior division of the 86th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

The diminutive but lightning-quick Mark Cruz, younger brother of pro player Marvin, sizzled with a game-high 25 points on an impressive 10-of-16 shooting from the field and five-on-five on the foul line. He had six assists, four rebounds and a steal.

McJour Luib had 20 points and 10 rebounds while Aldrin Serafica scattered 15 points to also help in forging the Squires a no-tomorrow showdown with the St. Benilde Junior Blazers on Monday for the No. 4 seed.