Knights to firm up hold of No. 3

MANILA, Philippines - Letran seeks to inch closer to league leaders San Sebastian and San Beda while Arellano U tries to keep its flickering Final Four hopes alive as they collide today in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

The Knights shoot for their eighth win in 10 games as they try to firm up their hold of third behind the unbeaten Stags (10-0) and the Lions (9-1) against the Chiefs in the 2 p.m. opener.

Letran routed Arellano, 88-70, in their first round meeting last July 15.

“I’m satisfied with our effort in the first round but our main concern now is consistency on both ends of the court,” said Letran coach Louie Alas.

St. Benilde, tied with Lyceum at 4-5, goes for solo fourth place as it plays Mapua at 4 p.m.

While Letran is looking to close in on a Final Four slot, Arellano U is fighting to stave off early elimination.

The Chiefs are locked in a three-way tie for sixth with Jose Rizal and Mapua with 3-6 cards.

Alas will pin his hopes on Jam Cortes, Raymond Almazan and Jonathan Belorio, who have a combined average of 30 points, 29 rebounds and four blocks.

The 6-7 Almazan is currently running third in the MVP race behind SSC’s Calvin Abueva and Ian Sangalang and ahead of Cortes, San Sebastian’s Ronald Pascual and teammate Kevin Alas.

“One of the big reasons why we have a good season is that our big men have really improved a lot,” said Alas.