Letran, CSB eye No. 3 in Laguna tiff

MANILA, Philippines - The NCAA holds its first-ever out-of-town games in Season 88 of the men’s basketball tournament with Letran squaring off with Emilio Aguinaldo and Arellano U facing College of St. Benilde at the San Luis Sports Complex in Sta. Cruz, Laguna.

The Knights go for their third win in six games against the Generals at 1 p.m. while the Chiefs also try to even their card at 3-3 against the Blazers at 3 p.m.

This marks the first time that the country’s oldest collegiate will holds games outside Metro Manila.

“It’s something of a history because the NCAA will hold out-of-town games for the first time and this is definitely not the last,” said Management Committee chair Fr. Vic Calvo, OP, of host Letran moments after the league and Laguna Gov. ER Ejercito forged its partnership with the signing of a memorandum of agreement.

The Knights are looking to follow up their 66-60 victory over the Mapua Cardinals last July 16 that ended a three-game skid.

“The players are raring to go,” said Letran coach Louie Alas.

The Knights were actually set to play the San Beda Red Lions last Saturday but last weekend’s seniors games were cancelled due to inclement weather.

Letran, meanwhile, will be taking on an EAC team seeking to get back from a four-game slide after winning its first game of the season.

Arellano U, on the other hand, is out to improve its 2-3 card against a St. Benilde side that has dropped four of its first six outings, including an embarrassing 64-84 rout at the hands of Perpetual Help last July 19.

The Chiefs lost their first three games but rebounded with two straight wins, a 77-67 upset of the Knights last July 7 and an 83-52 rout of the Pirates last July 14.

“We just have to continue to work hard whether you’re tired or well-rested,” said Arellano U mentor Koy Banal, whose wards are coming off an 11-day rest.