Letran, 3 others play last games in NCAA Season 92
FOUR teams that are already out of the running in Season 92 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), led by erstwhile defending champions Letran Knights, play their last games of the season today in the penultimate play date of the elimination round.
The Knights (8-9) take on the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals (6-11) at 4 p. m. while fellow also- rans Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers (9-8) and San Sebastian Stags (7-10) battle it out at 2 p.m. at the Fil- Oil Arena in San Juan City.
Now under coach Jeff Napa, Letran, which won the title last year with Aldin Ayo at the helm, had a solid start to its title defense, winning four of its first five games that had it in the mix in the top half.
The Knights, however, would fall into tough times, losing six of seven games midway into the tournament that greatly affected their progress and saw them falling by the wayside just as other teams started to make their way up.
Letran showed semblance of life when it won three straight in the homestretch but eventually was undone when it lost back-toback games thereafter.
The early exit of Letran makes it the first team in recent NCAA history not to advance to the Final Four in its title defense year.
It now hopes to end its season on a positive note with a win over the Generals, winners in their last game over the College of St. Benilde Blazers, 65-62.
Jorem Morada led the way with 18 points and four assists for the Generals, which tied the Lyceum Pirates for eighth place with the win.
JRU, meanwhile, also would like to end a difficult season on a high with a win over San Sebastian.
The Vergel Meneses-coached squad had a hard time establishing a momentum in a tournament that it was considered to be figuring strongly for top spots.
While they showed flashes of good form here and there, the Bombers for the most part of Season 92 middled as attested by their current card heading into today’s game.
JRU’s opponent will be San Sebastian, which has turned its season around significantly despite still failing to make the cut.
The Stags had a 1-8 record in the first round of the eliminations before winning 6-of-8 games including their last two matches over St. Benilde and EAC.
Against EAC, Michael Calisaan led the way with 22 points while Allyn Bulanadi, RK Ilagan, Jerick Fabian and Ryan Costelo chipped in 14, 13, 12 and 10 points, respectively, to lead their team to an 87-71 win.
Already assured of moving on to the NCAA Final Four are the Arellano Chiefs ( 14- 3), San Beda Red Lions ( 13- 4), Mapua Cardinals( 11- 6) and Perpetual Help Altas ( 11- 6). All still have games to play tomorrow on the final day of the elimination round. —